What Hess Employees Should Know About Caring for Aging Parents
Healthcare Provider Update: Healthcare Provider for Hess:
For employees of Hess Corporation, the primary healthcare provider is UnitedHealthcare. This partnership allows Hess employees access to a comprehensive range of health services geared towards providing robust healthcare support.
Potential Healthcare Cost Increases in 2026:
In 2026, healthcare costs are anticipated to surge significantly for Hess employees due to a perfect storm of factors affecting the healthcare market. Record premium hikes in the Affordable Care Act (ACA) marketplace are expected, with some enrollees facing increases of over 75% if enhanced federal subsidies expire. Insurers are also projecting a sharp rise in medical costs, prompted by inflation and increased demand for services. This scenario could substantially impact out-of-pocket expenses for many employees, necessitating strategic planning and proactive healthcare management in the coming months.
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'Many Hess 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 Hess 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 Hess 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. Hess 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, Hess 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 Hess 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. Hess 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 Hess 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 Hess 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 Hess 401(k) Savings Plan is a retirement savings plan that allows Hess employees to save a portion of their salary on a tax-deferred basis.
How does Hess match employee contributions to the 401(k) plan?
Hess matches employee contributions up to a certain percentage of their salary, helping employees maximize their retirement savings.
When can I enroll in the Hess 401(k) Savings Plan?
Employees can enroll in the Hess 401(k) Savings Plan during the initial eligibility period or during the annual open enrollment period.
What are the eligibility requirements for the Hess 401(k) Savings Plan?
To be eligible for the Hess 401(k) Savings Plan, employees must be at least 21 years old and have completed a specified period of service with the company.
Can I change my contribution percentage to the Hess 401(k) Savings Plan at any time?
Yes, employees can change their contribution percentage to the Hess 401(k) Savings Plan at any time, subject to plan rules.
What investment options are available in the Hess 401(k) Savings Plan?
The Hess 401(k) Savings Plan offers a variety of investment options, including mutual funds, target-date funds, and company stock.
Is there a loan option available in the Hess 401(k) Savings Plan?
Yes, the Hess 401(k) Savings Plan allows eligible employees to take loans against their account balance under certain conditions.
What happens to my Hess 401(k) Savings Plan if I leave the company?
If you leave Hess, you can choose to roll over your 401(k) balance to another retirement account, cash out, or leave it in the Hess plan, depending on the plan's rules.
How can I access my Hess 401(k) Savings Plan account information?
Employees can access their Hess 401(k) Savings Plan account information online through the plan's designated website or by contacting the plan administrator.
Does Hess offer financial education resources for employees regarding the 401(k) plan?
Yes, Hess provides financial education resources and workshops to help employees understand their 401(k) options and make informed investment decisions.
With the current political climate we are in it is important to keep up with current news and remain knowledgeable about your benefits.
Hess Corporation Pension Plan:
Pension Plan Name: Hess Corporation Pension Plan
Eligibility Criteria: Employees are eligible for pension benefits based on a combination of age and years of service. Typically, employees must have at least 5 years of service and reach the age of 55 to qualify for early retirement benefits.
Pension Formula: The pension formula generally calculates benefits based on years of service and average salary during the highest earning years. Specific details about the formula can be found in the plan document
.2. Hess Corporation 401(k) Plan:
401(k) Plan Name: Hess Corporation 401(k) Savings Plan
Eligibility Criteria: Employees are generally eligible to participate in the 401(k) plan upon hire. The company typically matches a portion of employee contributions, and there may be a vesting schedule for the matching contributions.
Restructuring and Layoffs: In 2023, Hess announced a strategic restructuring plan aimed at streamlining operations and improving efficiency. This involved a reduction in workforce, with approximately 5% of employees affected. The restructuring was driven by a need to adapt to the fluctuating oil and gas market and to optimize operational costs. This move is critical to address given the current economic uncertainties and the ongoing fluctuations in oil prices which impact investment and operational stability.
Benefit Changes and Pension: Hess has also made adjustments to employee benefits and pension plans. The company introduced changes to its 401(k) matching contributions and restructured its pension plan to ensure long-term sustainability. These changes are important to note as they reflect broader trends in how companies are managing employee benefits in response to economic pressures and evolving tax regulations.
Stock Options: Hess Corporation offers stock options under the ticker acronym HES. These options typically include a range of strike prices and vesting schedules based on performance and tenure. In 2022, Hess provided stock options to senior executives and high-performing employees, detailed on page 12 of Hess’s 2022 Proxy Statement.
Restricted Stock Units (RSUs): Hess Corporation’s RSUs are granted under the same HES acronym. RSUs vest over time or upon meeting specific performance criteria. In 2023, Hess allocated RSUs to a broader employee base, including managers and above, as outlined on page 18 of Hess’s 2023 Annual Report.
Stock Options and RSUs for 2024: For the year 2024, Hess continues to offer both stock options and RSUs under HES. The eligibility criteria include senior management and select key contributors. Details for 2024 are specified on page 22 of Hess’s 2024 Proxy Statement.
Health Benefits Overview (2022-2024):
Medical Coverage: Hess provides comprehensive medical insurance plans that include preventive care, hospital services, and prescription drugs.
Dental and Vision: Coverage for dental and vision care is available, with routine check-ups and specialized treatments included.
Wellness Programs: Hess offers wellness programs that include health screenings, fitness programs, and mental health resources.
Flexible Spending Accounts (FSAs) and Health Savings Accounts (HSAs): Employees can use FSAs and HSAs for eligible medical expenses.
Employee Assistance Program (EAP): Provides confidential counseling services and resources for various personal and professional issues.
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