What Molina Healthcare Employees Should Know About Caring for Aging Parents
Healthcare Provider Update: Molina Healthcare is a prominent healthcare provider that offers a range of health insurance plans, primarily through the Affordable Care Act (ACA) marketplace. In Florida, Molina is proposing a significant rate increase of approximately 41% for individual plans in 2026, which is the highest among competing insurers. This surge in premiums is part of a broader trend expected across the ACA marketplace, where many participants may face increased costs due to various factors including the potential expiration of enhanced federal premium subsidies and rising medical expenses. If enacted, this could lead to substantial financial strain for a large portion of enrollees, particularly those who are reliant on affordable coverage under the ACA.
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'Many Molina Healthcare 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 Molina Healthcare 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 Molina Healthcare 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. Molina Healthcare 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, Molina Healthcare 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 Molina Healthcare 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. Molina Healthcare 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 Molina Healthcare 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 Molina Healthcare 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 savings plan does Molina Healthcare offer to its employees?
Molina Healthcare offers a 401(k) retirement savings plan to its employees.
Does Molina Healthcare match employee contributions to the 401(k) plan?
Yes, Molina Healthcare provides a matching contribution to the 401(k) plan, helping employees maximize their retirement savings.
What is the eligibility criteria for Molina Healthcare's 401(k) plan?
Employees of Molina Healthcare are generally eligible to participate in the 401(k) plan after completing a specified period of service, which is outlined in the plan documents.
Can Molina Healthcare employees choose how much to contribute to their 401(k) plan?
Yes, employees at Molina Healthcare can choose their contribution amount, subject to IRS limits.
What investment options are available in Molina Healthcare's 401(k) plan?
Molina Healthcare's 401(k) plan offers a variety of investment options, including mutual funds and other investment vehicles, allowing employees to diversify their portfolios.
How can Molina Healthcare employees access their 401(k) account information?
Molina Healthcare employees can access their 401(k) account information through the plan's online portal or by contacting the plan administrator.
Are there any fees associated with Molina Healthcare's 401(k) plan?
Yes, there may be administrative fees and investment-related fees associated with Molina Healthcare's 401(k) plan, which are disclosed in the plan documents.
Can Molina Healthcare employees take loans against their 401(k) savings?
Yes, Molina Healthcare allows employees to take loans against their 401(k) savings, subject to specific terms and conditions outlined in the plan.
What happens to Molina Healthcare employees' 401(k) accounts if they leave the company?
If Molina Healthcare employees leave the company, they have several options for their 401(k) accounts, including rolling over to another retirement account or cashing out, subject to tax implications.
Does Molina Healthcare offer financial education resources for employees regarding their 401(k) plan?
Yes, Molina Healthcare provides financial education resources and tools to help employees make informed decisions about their 401(k) savings.
With the current political climate we are in it is important to keep up with current news and remain knowledgeable about your benefits.
Molina Healthcare offers a competitive benefits package that includes both pension and 401(k) plans for its employees. As of 2022, 2023, and 2024, the Molina Healthcare 401(k) plan allows employees to save for retirement with both pre-tax and Roth options. The company matches 100% of employee contributions up to 4% of their salary. Employees are automatically enrolled at a 4% contribution rate. Eligibility for the company match occurs after one year of service, making Molina's retirement plan accessible to full-time employees.
In addition to the 401(k) plan, Molina Healthcare provides a defined contribution retirement plan for employees. This plan does not specify an exact pension formula but is built around employee and employer contributions rather than a traditional defined benefit structure. Full-time employees working a minimum of 30 hours per week qualify for these retirement benefits. Additionally, the Employee Stock Purchase Plan (ESPP) is available, which allows employees to purchase company stock at a discounted rate, further enhancing retirement savings.
The 401(k) and pension plans are managed with a focus on employee participation and long-term financial wellness. These plans are designed to encourage active savings for retirement while offering the flexibility of both traditional and Roth contribution options. Molina emphasizes the importance of long-term service by vesting employer contributions after one year.
Restructuring Layoffs: In 2023 and early 2024, Molina Healthcare announced multiple layoffs as part of their ongoing restructuring efforts. One significant wave involved a 10% reduction in the corporate and health plan workforce, impacting approximately 1,400 employees. This was part of a larger restructuring initiative aimed at reducing operating expenses and aligning the company with the changing healthcare landscape (Molina Healthcare) (Molina Healthcare). Importance: It is critical to address these layoffs because they are happening in a period of heightened economic uncertainty and shifts in government healthcare funding. These workforce reductions may affect service delivery and the overall financial performance of the company, influencing its stock value and investment outlook in 2024.
Molina Healthcare provides its employees with stock-based compensation, including stock options and Restricted Stock Units (RSUs), to align their interests with those of shareholders and incentivize long-term performance. Molina's Employee Stock Purchase Plan allows eligible employees to buy company stock at a 15% discount. RSUs are granted to key executives and senior employees as part of their compensation package, which vests over a multi-year period based on performance targets and continued employment.
In 2022, 2023, and 2024, Molina Healthcare granted stock options and RSUs through its equity incentive plan. These awards are designed for executives and select employees who meet performance criteria. Stock options are priced at the market value on the grant date, and RSUs are granted based on company performance and employee role. In 2023, Molina reported $115 million in stock-based compensation (Molina Healthcare) (Stock Analysis).
Stock options and RSUs at Molina Healthcare are available to senior management and executives, with eligibility determined by job role and performance metrics. The 2024 Proxy Statement and the 2023 Annual Report provide details on the structure of these equity incentives (page 30, Proxy Statement 2024)
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