What GEO Group Employees Should Know About Caring for Aging Parents
Healthcare Provider Update: Healthcare Provider for GEO Group
GEO Group, a prominent provider of correctional and community-based services, often relies on a variety of managed care organizations and healthcare service providers to address the healthcare needs of the populations they serve within correctional facilities and community programs. Specific partnerships may vary based on location and operational requirements, but they typically engage with well-established healthcare networks to deliver comprehensive medical, dental, and mental health services.
Potential Healthcare Cost Increases in 2026
Healthcare costs are anticipated to surge significantly in 2026, driven by a convergence of factors including rising medical expenses and the potential expiration of enhanced federal premium subsidies under the Affordable Care Act (ACA). Many states are looking at premium hikes upwards of 60%, with over 22 million marketplace enrollees potentially facing more than a 75% increase in out-of-pocket premiums. This situation is exacerbated by ongoing trends of elevated hospital, physician, and drug costs, as well as systemic pressures from labor shortages within healthcare that collectively strain the financial landscape for both insurers and consumers alike. Understanding these impending changes is crucial for effective financial planning ahead of the 2026 healthcare landscape.
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'Many GEO Group 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 GEO Group 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 GEO Group 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. GEO Group 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, GEO Group 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 GEO Group 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. GEO Group 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 GEO Group 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 GEO Group 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 plan does GEO Group offer to its employees?
GEO Group offers a 401(k) retirement savings plan to help employees save for their future.
Does GEO Group match employee contributions to the 401(k) plan?
Yes, GEO Group provides a matching contribution to employee 401(k) accounts, subject to specific terms and conditions.
What is the eligibility requirement for GEO Group employees to participate in the 401(k) plan?
Employees of GEO Group are typically eligible to participate in the 401(k) plan after completing a specified period of service, usually within the first year of employment.
How can GEO Group employees enroll in the 401(k) plan?
GEO Group employees can enroll in the 401(k) plan through the company’s HR portal or by contacting the HR department for assistance.
What types of investment options are available in GEO Group's 401(k) plan?
GEO Group's 401(k) plan offers a variety of investment options, including mutual funds, target-date funds, and other investment vehicles.
Can GEO Group employees change their contribution amounts to the 401(k) plan?
Yes, GEO Group employees can adjust their contribution amounts to the 401(k) plan at any time, subject to plan rules.
What is the maximum contribution limit for GEO Group's 401(k) plan?
The maximum contribution limit for GEO Group's 401(k) plan aligns with the IRS guidelines, which may change annually.
Does GEO Group allow employees to take loans against their 401(k) savings?
Yes, GEO Group permits employees to take loans against their 401(k) savings, subject to specific terms and conditions outlined in the plan.
What happens to GEO Group employees' 401(k) accounts if they leave the company?
If GEO Group employees leave the company, they can choose to roll over their 401(k) account to another retirement plan, cash out, or leave the funds in the GEO Group plan, depending on eligibility.
Are there any fees associated with GEO Group's 401(k) plan?
Yes, there may be administrative fees and investment-related expenses associated with GEO Group's 401(k) plan, which are disclosed in the plan documents.
With the current political climate we are in it is important to keep up with current news and remain knowledgeable about your benefits.
The GEO Group offers both a 401(k) retirement plan and other employee pension-related benefits. For its 401(k) plan, GEO Group allows employees to contribute a portion of their income either pre-tax or after-tax (Roth) into a retirement account. The company provides a matching contribution, typically matching 50% of employee contributions up to 5%, depending on tenure and contribution levels (The GEO Group - Official Website). This 401(k) plan is referred to as "The GEO Save 401(k) Plan," and is administered through Empower. Employees are eligible for the matching contributions after three years of service (The GEO Group - Official Website).
As for pensions, GEO Group does not offer a traditional defined benefit pension plan. Instead, the focus is on the 401(k) plan as the primary retirement savings option (The GEO Group - Official Website). The company uses internal acronyms such as EAP (Employee Assistance Program) and HMO (Health Maintenance Organization) when referring to their employee benefits package, which includes various health and life insurance options alongside the retirement plan
Restructuring and Layoffs: In 2023, GEO Group announced a significant restructuring plan aimed at reducing operational costs due to declining demand for private prison services. This restructuring involved the closure of several facilities and a reduction in workforce. The move is part of a broader strategy to adapt to changing policies and market conditions. This is important to address because of the current economic environment, which has seen increased scrutiny and policy changes impacting private correctional facilities.
Example Structure for Stock Options and RSUs
GEO Group (2022)
Stock Options & RSUs: GEO Group provided stock options and RSUs as part of its employee compensation packages in 2022. Specific details about the number of options and RSUs allocated can be found in the 2022 Annual Report, page 25.
Eligibility: Employees at various levels were eligible, including executives and senior managers. Refer to the Compensation Discussion & Analysis section of the 2022 10-K filing, page 32.
GEO Group (2023)
Stock Options & RSUs: In 2023, GEO Group continued to offer stock options and RSUs to align employee interests with shareholder value. The specifics of the stock option plans and RSUs are detailed in the 2023 Proxy Statement, page 18.
Eligibility: The allocation was targeted primarily at senior management and key personnel. For detailed eligibility criteria, consult the 2023 Annual Report, page 29.
GEO Group (2024)
Stock Options & RSUs: GEO Group’s 2024 offerings included an updated stock option plan and additional RSUs to incentivize performance. Detailed information is available in the 2024 10-K filing, page 30.
Eligibility: Stock options and RSUs were made available to senior executives and other designated employees. Refer to the Compensation section in the 2024 Proxy Statement, page 35.
Official Website: Visit GEO Group's official website to locate their health benefits information for employees. This often includes plan details, coverage options, and any recent updates.
Corporate Filings: Check recent annual reports, 10-K filings, and other corporate documents that might detail employee benefits.
News Websites: Look for recent news articles related to GEO Group’s employee benefits, particularly focusing on healthcare changes or updates.
Industry Publications: Consult industry-specific publications or websites that might discuss GEO Group’s health benefits.
Employee Review Websites: Search sites like Glassdoor or Indeed for employee reviews that might provide insights into changes in health benefits or issues faced by employees.
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