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Ashland Employees: Navigating the Complexities of Extended Care Costs in Retirement

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Addressing the potential risks of extended-term care expenses may be one of the biggest financial challenges for Ashland employees who are developing a retirement strategy.

Seven in ten Ashland employees over age 65 can expect to need extended care services at some point in their lives. So understanding the various types of extended care services – and what those services may cost – is critical as you consider your retirement approach.

What Is Extended Care?

Extended care is not a single activity. It refers to a variety of medical and non–medical services needed by those who have a chronic illness or disability – most commonly associated with aging.

Extended care can include everything from assistance with activities of daily living – help dressing, bathing, using the bathroom, or even driving to the store – to more intensive therapeutic and medical care requiring the services of skilled medical personnel.

Extended care may be provided at home, at a community center, in an assisted living facility, or in a skilled nursing home. And extended care is not exclusively for the elderly; it is possible to need extended care at any age.

How Much Does Extended Care Cost?

Extended care costs vary state by state and region by region. The 2021 national average for care in a skilled care facility (single occupancy in a nursing home) was $108,405 a year. The national average for care in an assisted living center (single occupancy) was $54,000 a year. Home health aides cost a median of $27 per hour, but that rate may increase when a licensed nurse is required.

What Are the Payment Choices?

Often, extended care is provided by family and friends. Providing care can be a burden, however, and the need for assistance tends to increase with age.

Ashland employees who would rather not burden their family and friends have two main choices for covering the cost of extended care: they can choose to self-insure or they can purchase extended care insurance.

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Many self-insure by default – simply because they haven't made other arrangements. Those who self-insure may depend on personal savings and investments to fund any extended care needs. The other approach is to consider purchasing extended care insurance, which can cover all levels of care, from skilled care to custodial care to in-home assistance.

When it comes to addressing your extended care needs, many look to select a strategy that may help them protect assets, preserve dignity, and maintain independence. If those concepts are important to you, consider your approach to extended care.

GenWorth.com, 2022

ACL.gov, 2022

What is the primary purpose of Ashland's 401(k) Savings Plan?

The primary purpose of Ashland's 401(k) Savings Plan is to help employees save for retirement by providing a tax-advantaged way to invest a portion of their income.

How can Ashland employees enroll in the 401(k) Savings Plan?

Ashland employees can enroll in the 401(k) Savings Plan by accessing the employee benefits portal or contacting the HR department for assistance.

Does Ashland offer a matching contribution for its 401(k) Savings Plan?

Yes, Ashland offers a matching contribution to the 401(k) Savings Plan, which helps employees maximize their retirement savings.

What types of investment options are available in Ashland's 401(k) Savings Plan?

Ashland's 401(k) Savings Plan typically offers a variety of investment options, including mutual funds, target-date funds, and company stock.

At what age can Ashland employees start withdrawing from their 401(k) Savings Plan without penalties?

Ashland employees can start withdrawing from their 401(k) Savings Plan without penalties at age 59½.

Can Ashland employees take loans against their 401(k) Savings Plan balance?

Yes, Ashland allows employees to take loans against their 401(k) Savings Plan balance, subject to certain terms and conditions.

How often can Ashland employees change their contribution percentage to the 401(k) Savings Plan?

Ashland employees can change their contribution percentage to the 401(k) Savings Plan at any time, subject to plan rules.

Is there a vesting schedule for Ashland's 401(k) matching contributions?

Yes, Ashland has a vesting schedule for matching contributions, which determines how much of the employer contributions employees are entitled to based on their years of service.

Can Ashland employees roll over funds from another retirement account into the 401(k) Savings Plan?

Yes, Ashland employees can roll over funds from other qualified retirement accounts into the Ashland 401(k) Savings Plan.

What is the maximum contribution limit for Ashland's 401(k) Savings Plan?

The maximum contribution limit for Ashland's 401(k) Savings Plan is set by the IRS and may change annually; employees should check the latest guidelines for the specific limit.

With the current political climate we are in it is important to keep up with current news and remain knowledgeable about your benefits.

Ashland has announced a major restructuring plan aimed at streamlining operations and reducing costs. This includes significant layoffs and the consolidation of certain business units. Additionally, there are expected changes to employee benefits and pension plans.

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For more information you can reach the plan administrator for Ashland at 50 E RiverCenter Blvd #1900 Covington, KY 41011; or by calling them at +1 859-815-3333.