What Encompass Health Employees Should Know About Caring for Aging Parents
Healthcare Provider Update: Healthcare Provider for Encompass Health
Encompass Health Corporation operates as a leader in post-acute healthcare services, particularly offering rehabilitation services through a network of inpatient rehabilitation hospitals, outpatient rehabilitation clinics, and home health agencies. Their integrated care model emphasizes rehabilitation for patients recovering from illness or injury, including stroke recovery, brain injury rehabilitation, and orthopedic recovery.
Potential Healthcare Cost Increases in 2026
In 2026, healthcare costs are anticipated to rise significantly, particularly for those enrolled in Affordable Care Act (ACA) marketplace plans. Factors such as the potential expiration of enhanced federal premium subsidies and escalating medical costs could result in premium hikes of over 60% in some states. Reports indicate that nearly 92% of ACA enrollees may face out-of-pocket premium increases exceeding 75%, driven by high utilization of medical services and significant drug costs. Consequently, consumers will need to navigate these changes carefully to manage their healthcare expenses effectively.
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'Many Encompass Health 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 Encompass Health 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 Encompass Health 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. Encompass Health 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, Encompass Health 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 Encompass Health 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. Encompass Health 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 Encompass Health 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 Encompass Health 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 Encompass Health?
The 401(k) plan offered by Encompass Health is a retirement savings plan that allows employees to save a portion of their salary on a tax-deferred basis.
Does Encompass Health offer a matching contribution for the 401(k) plan?
Yes, Encompass Health offers a matching contribution to help employees maximize their retirement savings.
How can employees enroll in the Encompass Health 401(k) plan?
Employees can enroll in the Encompass Health 401(k) plan through the company's benefits portal during the enrollment period or after they become eligible.
What are the eligibility requirements for the Encompass Health 401(k) plan?
To be eligible for the Encompass Health 401(k) plan, employees typically need to meet certain criteria, such as completing a specified period of service.
Can employees make changes to their contributions in the Encompass Health 401(k) plan?
Yes, employees can make changes to their contribution amounts in the Encompass Health 401(k) plan at any time, subject to plan rules.
What investment options are available in the Encompass Health 401(k) plan?
The Encompass Health 401(k) plan offers a variety of investment options, including mutual funds, target-date funds, and other investment vehicles.
When can employees start withdrawing funds from their Encompass Health 401(k) plan?
Employees can start withdrawing funds from their Encompass Health 401(k) plan upon reaching the age of 59½, or under certain circumstances such as financial hardship.
Are there penalties for early withdrawal from the Encompass Health 401(k) plan?
Yes, there are typically penalties for early withdrawal from the Encompass Health 401(k) plan unless specific exceptions apply, such as disability or financial hardship.
What happens to an employee's Encompass Health 401(k) plan if they leave the company?
If an employee leaves Encompass Health, they can roll over their 401(k) balance into another retirement account, cash out, or leave the funds in the plan if allowed.
How often does Encompass Health provide statements for the 401(k) plan?
Encompass Health provides regular statements for the 401(k) plan, typically on a quarterly basis, detailing account balances and investment performance.
With the current political climate we are in it is important to keep up with current news and remain knowledgeable about your benefits.
Encompass Health offers a comprehensive benefits package that includes both a 401(k) plan and other retirement options. In 2022, 2023, and 2024, Encompass Health continued to provide the Encompass Health Retirement Investment Plan, which allows employees to contribute up to 100% of their pay on a pre-tax basis, subject to IRS limits. The company matches 50% of the first 6% of employee contributions to the 401(k). There is also a Roth option available for those preferring post-tax contributions. Employees aged 50 or older are eligible for additional catch-up contributions (Encompass Health).
In terms of eligibility for the 401(k) plan, all full-time and part-time benefit-eligible employees of Encompass Health can participate. The plan is administered by Charles Schwab Investments and offers a variety of mutual funds for investment. This is an employer-sponsored defined contribution plan (Encompass Health) (Encompass Health).
Encompass Health employees also have access to an Employee Stock Purchase Plan (ESPP), which allows them to purchase company stock at discounted rates through payroll deductions. Although this is a voluntary program, it provides a supplementary method for employees to invest in the company
Restructuring and Layoffs: Encompass Health has recently undergone significant restructuring aimed at streamlining operations and reducing costs. In 2023, the company announced a series of layoffs affecting several departments to align with its strategic goals. This move is part of a broader trend in the healthcare sector to enhance operational efficiency amid economic pressures and rising costs.
Importance: Given the current economic and investment climate, understanding these changes is crucial. The healthcare industry is adapting to economic uncertainties, and such restructuring efforts can have widespread impacts on employees and the overall market. Additionally, changes in company operations can influence investment decisions and tax implications.
Encompass Health offers stock options and RSUs to executives and key employees as part of their compensation package. These benefits are designed to align employee interests with the company's performance. Stock options allow employees to buy shares at a set price, while RSUs provide shares after certain conditions are met.
Encompass Health Careers: Check the company’s official careers page for specific details on health benefits.
Encompass Health Benefits Information: Look for detailed benefits descriptions, plan options, and any recent updates in their employee benefits section.
Glassdoor: Review employee reviews for insights on health benefits and any recent changes or updates.
Indeed: Explore employee reviews and salary data, focusing on health benefits.
LinkedIn: Look at company updates and posts that may include information on health benefits.
Business Insider: Search for any articles related to employee benefits at Encompass Health.
HR News Sites: Check specialized HR and benefits news websites for articles or reports on Encompass Health's employee health benefits.
Healthcare-Related Terms and Acronyms:
Health Savings Account (HSA): A tax-advantaged savings account used to pay for qualified medical expenses.
Flexible Spending Account (FSA): An account that allows employees to use pre-tax dollars for eligible healthcare expenses.
Co-Pay: A fixed amount paid by the insured for covered services.
Deductible: The amount an employee pays out-of-pocket before insurance coverage begins.
Premium: The amount paid for insurance coverage, typically monthly.
Out-of-Pocket Maximum: The maximum amount an employee has to pay for covered services in a plan year.
For more information you can reach the plan administrator for Encompass Health at 9001 Liberty Parkway Birmingham, AL 35242; or by calling them at (205) 967-7116.
Further Information for Encompass Health* Employees
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