What KeyCorp Employees Should Know About Caring for Aging Parents
Healthcare Provider Update: Healthcare Provider for KeyCorp:
KeyCorp partners with Anthem Blue Cross Blue Shield as their primary healthcare provider. This relationship offers KeyCorp employees a broad range of health insurance options and services to ensure their healthcare needs are met efficiently.
Healthcare Cost Increases in 2026:
As we approach 2026, significant increases in healthcare costs are anticipated. With the expiration of enhanced federal premium subsidies under the Affordable Care Act, many enrollees could face out-of-pocket premium hikes exceeding 75%. This situation is exacerbated by rising medical costs and aggressive rate hikes from major insurers, which in some states might surpass 60%. The combination of these factors suggests a challenging landscape for consumers, potentially prompting healthier individuals to exit the market, thus raising costs for those who remain. As the healthcare industry grapples with these changes, proactive planning for 2026 will be essential for individuals and employers alike.
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'Many KeyCorp 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 KeyCorp 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 KeyCorp 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. KeyCorp 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, KeyCorp 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 KeyCorp 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. KeyCorp 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 KeyCorp 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 KeyCorp 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 KeyCorp offer to its employees?
KeyCorp offers a 401(k) Savings Plan to help employees save for retirement.
How can KeyCorp employees enroll in the 401(k) Savings Plan?
KeyCorp employees can enroll in the 401(k) Savings Plan through the company’s HR portal or by contacting the benefits department.
Does KeyCorp match employee contributions to the 401(k) Savings Plan?
Yes, KeyCorp provides a matching contribution to employee contributions made to the 401(k) Savings Plan, subject to certain limits.
What is the maximum contribution limit for KeyCorp's 401(k) Savings Plan?
The maximum contribution limit for KeyCorp's 401(k) Savings Plan is determined by IRS regulations and may change annually.
Can KeyCorp employees take loans against their 401(k) Savings Plan balance?
Yes, KeyCorp allows employees to take loans against their 401(k) Savings Plan balance under certain conditions.
What investment options are available in KeyCorp's 401(k) Savings Plan?
KeyCorp's 401(k) Savings Plan offers a variety of investment options, including mutual funds and other investment vehicles.
How often can KeyCorp employees change their 401(k) contribution amounts?
KeyCorp employees can change their 401(k) contribution amounts at any time, subject to payroll processing schedules.
Is there a vesting schedule for KeyCorp's 401(k) Savings Plan?
Yes, KeyCorp has a vesting schedule for its matching contributions, which determines when employees fully own those contributions.
At what age can KeyCorp employees begin withdrawing from their 401(k) Savings Plan without penalties?
KeyCorp employees can begin withdrawing from their 401(k) Savings Plan without penalties at age 59½.
What happens to KeyCorp's 401(k) Savings Plan if an employee leaves the company?
If an employee leaves KeyCorp, they can roll over their 401(k) Savings Plan balance to another retirement account or leave it in the plan, depending on the balance.
With the current political climate we are in it is important to keep up with current news and remain knowledgeable about your benefits.
KeyCorp offers a comprehensive retirement benefits package for its employees, including a 401(k) plan and a cash balance pension plan. Employees are automatically enrolled in the 401(k) plan at a 2% contribution rate upon hire, with the option to contribute up to 100% of eligible compensation. KeyCorp matches contributions dollar-for-dollar up to 7% after one year of service. The plan allows both pre-tax and Roth contributions, with a variety of investment options available. The company also offers a cash balance pension plan, though specific details about the pension formula and eligibility requirements were not publicly disclosed in the documents reviewed. The information was sourced from KeyCorp's benefits documentation, specifically on pages related to retirement and financial wellness
Restructuring Layoffs: In 2023 and 2024, KeyCorp faced restructuring efforts driven by market conditions, which resulted in layoffs across various departments. These layoffs are part of KeyCorp's strategy to manage rising costs and align resources more efficiently. The financial services sector has seen increased pressure due to economic fluctuations and regulatory challenges (InvestmentNews). It is important to address this news because of the current economic environment, which has significantly impacted corporate decision-making. The tax and political landscape has also created a more uncertain outlook, making cost management and workforce reductions crucial for businesses like KeyCorp.
KeyCorp (NYSE: KEY) provides employees with stock options and Restricted Stock Units (RSUs) as part of their compensation and incentive programs. These RSUs are offered to select employees at the company's discretion, based on performance and role. Employees at KeyCorp typically receive RSUs that vest over time, encouraging long-term retention and performance. In 2022, 2023, and 2024, the stock option and RSU programs were part of broader efforts to retain talent, with eligibility based on management-level roles and tenure within the company
KeyCorp provides comprehensive health benefits to support the well-being of its employees, with a strong focus on both physical and financial wellness. The health benefits offered are centered around three high-deductible health plan options, all of which are managed through UnitedHealthcare and provide preventive care at 100%, even before deductibles are met (Key.com) (Key.com). The available plans are compatible with Health Savings Accounts (HSAs), allowing employees to make pre-tax contributions to cover medical expenses.
KeyCorp's healthcare plans also include coverage for prescription drugs through Express Scripts. Additionally, dental and vision plans are offered, and employees who work 30 or more hours per week are eligible for these benefits (Key.com). There are also wellness programs such as health screenings, health coaching, and fitness benefits, aimed at promoting healthier lifestyles among employees (
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