What Dick's Sporting Goods Employees Should Know About Caring for Aging Parents
Healthcare Provider Update: Healthcare Provider for Dick's Sporting Goods
Dick's Sporting Goods collaborates with various health insurance providers to offer healthcare benefits to its employees. Notably, UnitedHealthcare is among the primary healthcare providers for the company, offering various plans that cater to the diverse needs of its workforce.
Potential Healthcare Cost Increases in 2026
As we approach 2026, significant healthcare cost increases loom for Dick's Sporting Goods employees and retirees. With the anticipated expiration of enhanced Affordable Care Act (ACA) premium subsidies, individuals could face out-of-pocket premium hikes of over 75%. This dramatic shift is compounded by rising medical costs driven by inflation and a surge in demand for healthcare services, particularly in behavioral health. In states like New York, some insurers are requesting premium increases upwards of 66%, signaling a challenging year ahead for those relying on employer-sponsored insurance and ACA plans. As such, it is essential for employees to plan proactively to mitigate potential financial impacts.
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'Many Dick's Sporting Goods 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 Dick's Sporting Goods 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 Dick's Sporting Goods 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. Dick's Sporting Goods 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, Dick's Sporting Goods 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 Dick's Sporting Goods 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. Dick's Sporting Goods 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 Dick's Sporting Goods 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 Dick's Sporting Goods 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 type of retirement savings plan does Dick's Sporting Goods offer to its employees?
Dick's Sporting Goods offers a 401(k) retirement savings plan to help employees save for retirement.
Does Dick's Sporting Goods match employee contributions to the 401(k) plan?
Yes, Dick's Sporting Goods provides a matching contribution to employee 401(k) plans, subject to certain limits.
What is the eligibility requirement to participate in Dick's Sporting Goods' 401(k) plan?
Employees at Dick's Sporting Goods typically become eligible to participate in the 401(k) plan after completing a specific period of service, usually within the first year of employment.
How can employees at Dick's Sporting Goods enroll in the 401(k) plan?
Employees can enroll in the Dick's Sporting Goods 401(k) plan through the company's benefits portal or by contacting the HR department for assistance.
What investment options are available in the Dick's Sporting Goods 401(k) plan?
The Dick's Sporting Goods 401(k) plan offers a variety of investment options, including mutual funds, target-date funds, and other investment vehicles.
Can employees at Dick's Sporting Goods take loans against their 401(k) savings?
Yes, Dick's Sporting Goods allows employees to take loans against their 401(k) savings, subject to specific terms and conditions.
What happens to my 401(k) savings if I leave Dick's Sporting Goods?
If you leave Dick's Sporting Goods, you can roll over your 401(k) savings into another retirement account, cash out, or leave the funds in the Dick's Sporting Goods plan if eligible.
Is there a vesting schedule for the 401(k) matching contributions at Dick's Sporting Goods?
Yes, Dick's Sporting Goods has a vesting schedule for matching contributions, meaning employees must work for a certain period to fully own the matched funds.
How often can employees at Dick's Sporting Goods change their 401(k) contribution amounts?
Employees at Dick's Sporting Goods can typically change their 401(k) contribution amounts at any time, subject to the plan's rules.
Does Dick's Sporting Goods provide financial education resources for employees regarding the 401(k) plan?
Yes, Dick's Sporting Goods offers financial education resources and workshops 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.
Dick's Sporting Goods offers a comprehensive retirement plan through the Dick's Sporting Goods, Inc. Smart Savings 401(k) Plan. This plan is a defined contribution plan that allows employees to defer part of their compensation into the plan. Employees at Dick's Sporting Goods can contribute a portion of their earnings to the 401(k), which is matched by the company. This plan is typically available to all eligible employees who are 21 years of age or older, with specific eligibility and vesting rules depending on the years of service and the role within the company (YCharts).
The pension plan details are integrated within the company's expense reporting, covering historical data on pension and employee expenses. While specific details about the pension formulas and age qualifications for eligibility in recent years are less explicitly outlined in publicly available documents, the company has consistently reported quarterly expenses related to pension and employee benefits. These figures suggest ongoing commitments to retirement benefits
Restructuring & Layoffs: In early 2024, Dick's Sporting Goods announced a restructuring plan involving a significant reduction in corporate office staff. This decision was influenced by ongoing economic uncertainties and changing consumer behavior. The company aims to streamline operations and improve efficiency in response to fluctuating market demands. Company Benefit Changes: As part of the restructuring, Dick's Sporting Goods adjusted several employee benefits. Changes include modifications to health insurance plans and adjustments to the company's 401k matching contributions. These updates were made to align with the company’s new financial strategy and to ensure sustainability amidst economic challenges. Pension & 401k Changes: Dick's Sporting Goods has also made changes to its pension plan. The company has shifted from a defined benefit plan to a defined contribution plan, impacting long-term retirement benefits for employees. Additionally, the 401k matching percentage was revised, reflecting the company's need to manage expenses more effectively in the current economic climate. Importance of Addressing This News: It is crucial to stay informed about these developments due to the current economic and investment climate, as well as ongoing political and tax changes. Understanding these changes helps employees navigate their financial planning and adjust to potential impacts on their retirement savings and benefits.
2022:Stock Options: Dick's Sporting Goods offered stock options to executives and certain employees as part of their compensation package. The stock options typically have a vesting period and are tied to performance metrics.
RSUs: Restricted Stock Units were granted to senior management and key employees. RSUs generally vest over a period of time, often tied to continued employment or specific performance goals.
2023:Stock Options: In 2023, Dick's Sporting Goods continued to provide stock options to its senior leadership team and other designated employees. The options were designed to align employee interests with company performance.
RSUs: RSUs were granted based on performance targets and time-based vesting schedules. They were available to high-level employees and those with critical roles.
2024:Stock Options: Dick's Sporting Goods expanded the eligibility for stock options in 2024 to include mid-level management. This aimed to incentivize broader employee participation.
RSUs: The company issued RSUs as part of a long-term incentive plan, with a focus on retaining top talent and rewarding performance. Eligibility extended to executives and select high-performing employees.
Dick's Sporting Goods Careers
Information to look for: Benefits section, employee health benefits, recent updates on healthcare policies.
Employee reviews and posts related to health benefits, updates shared by employees or HR.
Employee reviews focusing on health benefits, recent updates, and changes in healthcare plans.
Employee reviews, specific comments about health benefits, and updates on healthcare plans.
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For more information you can reach the plan administrator for Dick's Sporting Goods at 345 Court St Coraopolis, PA 15108; or by calling them at (724) 273-3400.
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