What Hanesbrands Employees Should Know About Caring for Aging Parents
Healthcare Provider Update: Healthcare Provider for Hanesbrands:
Hanesbrands Inc. typically offers health insurance to its employees through a network of major providers, including companies like UnitedHealthcare, Cigna, and Anthem Blue Cross Blue Shield, depending on the specific plan chosen by the company for its workforce.
Potential Healthcare Cost Increases in 2026:
As the landscape of healthcare evolves, Hanesbrands may face significant increases in healthcare costs in 2026, primarily driven by rising insurance premiums. Reports indicate that insurance premiums for Affordable Care Act (ACA) plans could surge by an average of 18% to 20%, with some states projecting hikes as high as 66%. The expiration of enhanced federal subsidies is expected to exacerbate the financial strain, potentially leaving over 22 million enrollees facing exorbitant increases in out-of-pocket expenses. Without legislative measures to extend these subsidies, many employees could see their healthcare costs skyrocket, which could significantly impact employee wellness and workforce stability.
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'Many Hanesbrands 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 Hanesbrands 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 Hanesbrands 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. Hanesbrands 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, Hanesbrands 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 Hanesbrands 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. Hanesbrands 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 Hanesbrands 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 Hanesbrands 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.
The Hanesbrands 401(k) Savings Plan is a retirement savings plan that allows employees to save for their future by contributing a portion of their salary on a pre-tax or Roth (after-tax) basis.
How can I enroll in the Hanesbrands 401(k) Savings Plan?
Employees can enroll in the Hanesbrands 401(k) Savings Plan by accessing the enrollment portal provided by the company, typically available during the onboarding process or during open enrollment periods.
What types of contributions can I make to the Hanesbrands 401(k) Savings Plan?
Hanesbrands employees can make pre-tax contributions, Roth (after-tax) contributions, and may also be eligible for catch-up contributions if they are over the age of 50.
Does Hanesbrands offer a company match for the 401(k) contributions?
Yes, Hanesbrands offers a company match for employee contributions to the 401(k) Savings Plan, which helps employees maximize their retirement savings.
What is the vesting schedule for the Hanesbrands 401(k) company match?
The vesting schedule for the Hanesbrands 401(k) company match typically follows a specific timeline, where employees earn ownership of the matched contributions over a set period.
Can I take a loan from my Hanesbrands 401(k) Savings Plan?
Yes, Hanesbrands allows employees to take loans from their 401(k) Savings Plan, subject to certain conditions and limits set by the plan.
What investment options are available in the Hanesbrands 401(k) Savings Plan?
The Hanesbrands 401(k) Savings Plan offers a variety of investment options, including mutual funds, target-date funds, and other investment vehicles to help employees diversify their portfolios.
How can I change my contribution percentage to the Hanesbrands 401(k) Savings Plan?
Employees can change their contribution percentage by logging into the Hanesbrands 401(k) portal and selecting the option to update their contribution rate.
What happens to my Hanesbrands 401(k) Savings Plan if I leave the company?
If you leave Hanesbrands, you have several options for your 401(k) Savings Plan, including rolling it over to another retirement account, cashing it out, or leaving it in the plan if permitted.
How often can I change my investment choices in the Hanesbrands 401(k) Savings Plan?
Employees can typically change their investment choices in the Hanesbrands 401(k) Savings Plan at any time, subject to the plan's trading policies.
With the current political climate we are in it is important to keep up with current news and remain knowledgeable about your benefits.
Hanesbrands Pension Plan:
Name of Pension Plan: Hanesbrands Inc. Pension Plan
Years of Service and Age Qualification: Employees typically qualify for pension benefits after reaching 5 years of service. The normal retirement age is 65, but employees may also qualify for early retirement benefits at age 55 with at least 10 years of service.
Pension Formula: The pension is calculated based on a formula that considers years of service and average salary. The specific formula details might be found in the plan documents.
Hanesbrands 401(k) Plan:
Name of 401(k) Plan: Hanesbrands Inc. 401(k) Plan
Eligibility: Generally, employees become eligible to participate in the 401(k) plan after 90 days of employment.
Plan Features: The 401(k) plan allows employees to contribute a percentage of their salary on a pre-tax or Roth basis. Hanesbrands may also offer a company match up to a certain percentage of employee contributions.
Restructuring and Layoffs: In 2023, Hanesbrands announced a major restructuring plan aimed at streamlining its operations and reducing costs. This plan included the layoff of around 250 employees across various departments. The restructuring is part of Hanesbrands' strategy to focus more on its core apparel business and improve operational efficiencies.
Stock Options: Hanesbrands provided stock options to select executives and key employees based on performance metrics and individual contributions. These options typically had a vesting period and were tied to the company's stock performance.
RSUs: Restricted Stock Units were granted to employees as part of their compensation package, aligning their interests with long-term shareholder value. The vesting schedule for RSUs was usually over a period of several years.
2022: Hanesbrands' health benefits included comprehensive medical, dental, and vision insurance. They offered Health Savings Accounts (HSAs) and Flexible Spending Accounts (FSAs) as well.
2023: Benefits remained similar to 2022 with slight enhancements, such as improved preventive care coverage and expanded mental health support. They also increased the contribution limits for HSAs.
2024: Continued focus on mental health and wellness, including expanded telehealth services. The company introduced a new well-being program to support employees' physical, emotional, and financial health.