What HNI Employees Should Know About Caring for Aging Parents
Healthcare Provider Update: HNI Corporation offers health insurance coverage to its U.S. employees through medical, dental, and vision plans, along with prescription benefits. The company provides Health Savings Accounts (HSAs) and Flexible Spending Accounts (FSAs) with employer contributions, as well as company-paid life and disability insurance. Preventive care and wellness programs are also included.
HNI Corporation
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'Many HNI 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 HNI 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 HNI 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. HNI 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, HNI 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 HNI 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. HNI 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 HNI 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 HNI 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 HNI 401(k) plan is a retirement savings plan that allows employees to save a portion of their paycheck before taxes are taken out, helping them prepare for retirement.
How does HNI match contributions to the 401(k) plan?
HNI offers a matching contribution up to a certain percentage of employee contributions, which helps to enhance the overall retirement savings.
When can I enroll in HNI's 401(k) plan?
Employees can enroll in HNI's 401(k) plan during the initial onboarding process or during the annual open enrollment period.
What are the eligibility requirements for HNI's 401(k) plan?
To be eligible for HNI's 401(k) plan, employees typically need to meet certain criteria, such as being a full-time employee and completing a specified period of service.
Can I change my contribution rate to HNI's 401(k) plan?
Yes, employees can change their contribution rate to HNI's 401(k) plan at any time, subject to plan rules.
What investment options are available in HNI's 401(k) plan?
HNI's 401(k) plan offers a variety of investment options, including mutual funds, target-date funds, and other investment vehicles to suit different risk tolerances.
Does HNI provide financial education resources for employees regarding the 401(k) plan?
Yes, HNI provides financial education resources and tools to help employees make informed decisions about their 401(k) savings.
What happens to my HNI 401(k) if I leave the company?
If you leave HNI, you have several options for your 401(k), including rolling it over to a new employer’s plan, an IRA, or cashing it out (though cashing out may have tax implications).
Is there a loan option available through HNI's 401(k) plan?
Yes, HNI's 401(k) plan may allow employees to take loans against their vested balance, subject to specific terms and conditions.
How often can I access my HNI 401(k) account statements?
Employees can access their HNI 401(k) account statements online, typically on a quarterly basis, or they can request them as needed.
With the current political climate we are in it is important to keep up with current news and remain knowledgeable about your benefits.
HNI Corporation provides both a 401(k) plan and a pension plan for its employees. HNI's 401(k) plan offers a company match where employees can contribute to their retirement savings. The match formula includes 100% matching on the first 1-3% of employee contributions, and 50% matching on the next 2%. This means HNI will match up to a maximum of 4% of an employee’s contributions, as long as the employee contributes at least 5% (PlanPerfect).
The HNI pension plan is a defined benefit plan that requires employees to meet specific service and age qualifications. Employees typically need to complete one year of service before they are eligible for the pension plan. The pension formula is based on the employee’s final average pay and years of service. The specific name of the pension plan is "HNI Defined Benefit Pension Plan," and it applies to employees who meet the age and service requirements set forth by the company
In early 2024, HNI Corporation announced a significant restructuring plan aimed at streamlining its operations and reducing costs. The company will be implementing layoffs affecting approximately 5% of its workforce. This move is part of a broader strategy to enhance operational efficiency and adapt to changing market conditions. Given the current economic climate, where companies are re-evaluating their cost structures amidst economic uncertainty, it is crucial for affected employees and stakeholders to stay informed about these changes. Additionally, the restructuring may impact company benefits and pension plans, necessitating close attention to any modifications in these areas.
Stock Options and RSU Acronyms
Identify the acronyms used for stock options and RSUs.
Provide details on how these options and units are structured and allocated.
Company-Specific Details
Review HNI Corporation’s stock options and RSUs for the years 2022, 2023, and 2024.
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Source and Documentation
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Official HNI Corporation Website
Health Benefits Overview: HNI’s official website typically provides an overview of its employee benefits, including health insurance, dental and vision coverage, and wellness programs.
Key Terms: Health Savings Account (HSA), Flexible Spending Account (FSA), Premiums, Deductibles, Coinsurance, Out-of-Pocket Maximums.
Glassdoor
Employee Reviews: Employees often review benefits on Glassdoor, detailing their experiences with HNI’s health insurance plans, including the quality of the plans and any changes over the years.
Key Terms: PPO (Preferred Provider Organization), HMO (Health Maintenance Organization), Copays, Network Coverage.
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