What Kemper Employees Should Know About Caring for Aging Parents
Healthcare Provider Update: Kemper Healthcare Provider:
Kemper provides health insurance through its partnerships with various insurers. Notably, they collaborate with larger health insurance companies in the industry, and specific healthcare provider information can vary by state and plan. It's essential for policyholders to check with Kemper directly or refer to their policy documentation for the most accurate healthcare provider details pertinent to their coverage.
Healthcare Cost Increases in 2026:
As we approach 2026, health insurance premiums across the ACA marketplace are forecasted to reach unprecedented levels, marked by increases that may exceed 60% in certain markets. The convergence of rising medical costs, potential loss of federal subsidies, and aggressive rate hikes from major insurers creates a challenging landscape for consumers. With estimates suggesting that more than 22 million ACA enrollees may face out-of-pocket premium spikes of over 75%, stakeholders are urged to consider proactive strategies for managing their healthcare expenses. Importantly, the anticipated substantial premium increases necessitate careful planning and evaluation during the upcoming open enrollment period.
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'Many Kemper 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 Kemper 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 Kemper 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. Kemper 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, Kemper 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 Kemper 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. Kemper 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 Kemper 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 Kemper 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 purpose of Kemper's 401(k) plan is to help employees save for retirement by allowing them to contribute a portion of their salary on a pre-tax or Roth after-tax basis.
How can employees enroll in Kemper's 401(k) plan?
Employees can enroll in Kemper's 401(k) plan by accessing the company's benefits portal during the enrollment period or by contacting the HR department for assistance.
Does Kemper offer a company match for 401(k) contributions?
Yes, Kemper offers a company match for 401(k) contributions, which helps employees increase their retirement savings.
What types of investment options are available in Kemper's 401(k) plan?
Kemper'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.
Can employees change their contribution rate to Kemper's 401(k) plan?
Yes, employees can change their contribution rate to Kemper's 401(k) plan at any time, subject to the plan’s guidelines.
What is the vesting schedule for Kemper's 401(k) company match?
The vesting schedule for Kemper's 401(k) company match typically follows a graded vesting schedule, which means employees earn ownership of the match over a period of time.
Are there any fees associated with Kemper's 401(k) plan?
Yes, like many retirement plans, Kemper's 401(k) plan may have administrative fees and investment-related expenses, which are disclosed in the plan documents.
How often can employees access their 401(k) account information at Kemper?
Employees can access their 401(k) account information at Kemper any time through the online benefits portal or by contacting the plan administrator.
What happens to my Kemper 401(k) if I leave the company?
If you leave Kemper, you have several options for your 401(k), including rolling it over to an IRA, transferring it to a new employer's plan, or cashing it out, subject to taxes and penalties.
Can employees take loans against their Kemper 401(k) plan?
Yes, Kemper allows employees to take loans against their 401(k) plan, subject to specific terms and conditions outlined 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.
Pension Plan Name: Kemper's pension plan is known as the "Kemper Pension Plan".
Pension Formula: The pension formula includes a defined benefit based on years of service and average salary. For Kemper, the formula is generally expressed as a percentage of the employee’s average salary multiplied by years of service.
Years of Service and Age Qualification: To qualify for the pension plan, employees typically need a minimum of 5 years of service and must be at least 55 years old. Specific qualifications may vary.
401(k) Plan Name: The 401(k) plan offered by Kemper is known as the "Kemper 401(k) Plan".
Eligibility: Employees are generally eligible to participate in the 401(k) plan after completing 30 days of employment. Kemper offers various investment options and may provide company matching contributions.
Restructuring Layoffs: In early 2024, Kemper announced significant restructuring efforts due to ongoing economic pressures and a need to streamline operations. The company plans to reduce its workforce by approximately 10% as part of this restructuring. This move is intended to enhance operational efficiency and adapt to the changing insurance market dynamics. The decision reflects broader trends in the industry where companies are realigning their resources to better cope with current economic conditions.
Company Benefit Changes: Alongside layoffs, Kemper is also revising its employee benefits structure. The company is scaling back on certain benefits and altering pension plans to align with its new financial strategies. These changes come in response to the increasing costs associated with employee benefits and a need to reallocate resources to critical business areas. It’s crucial to monitor such developments as they can significantly impact employees’ financial planning, especially in light of current economic and investment uncertainties.
Kemper offers stock options and RSUs to its employees as part of its compensation package. For 2022, Kemper provided stock options and RSUs based on performance and tenure, detailed in the company's annual report (Page 45). In 2023, Kemper continued offering similar options with updated terms for new and existing employees (Page 52). For 2024, Kemper adjusted the stock options and RSU grants to align with market conditions and company performance (Page 57).
Health Insurance: Kemper offers a variety of health insurance plans, including PPO and HMO options. Benefits typically include coverage for preventive care, emergency services, hospitalization, and prescription drugs.
Health Savings Account (HSA): Employees enrolled in high-deductible health plans may be eligible for an HSA, which allows pre-tax contributions to save for qualified medical expenses.
Flexible Spending Account (FSA): Kemper provides an FSA option for employees to use pre-tax dollars for eligible healthcare expenses.
Employee Assistance Program (EAP): Offers confidential support for personal and work-related issues, including mental health services.
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