New Update: Healthcare Costs Increasing by Over 60% in Some States. Will you be impacted?

Big Lots Employees: Navigating the Complexities of Extended Care Costs in Retirement

Healthcare Provider Update: Healthcare Provider for Big Lots Big Lots, a leading American retail company, partners with UnitedHealthcare to provide health insurance benefits to its employees. This arrangement is crucial for ensuring that Big Lots' workforce has access to essential healthcare resources. Potential Healthcare Cost Increases in 2026 Looking ahead to 2026, significant increases in healthcare costs are anticipated, particularly for those enrolled in Affordable Care Act (ACA) marketplace plans. Premium hikes could average around 20%, with some states potentially seeing increases over 60% due to factors like higher medical costs and the expiration of enhanced federal subsidies. As a result, eligible individuals may experience a staggering 75% rise in out-of-pocket premium expenses, putting substantial financial pressure on many families and complicating access to necessary healthcare. Click here to learn more

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

Seven in ten Big Lots 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.

Big Lots 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.

Featured Video

Articles you may find interesting:

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 401(k) plan offered by Big Lots?

The 401(k) plan offered by Big Lots is a retirement savings plan that allows employees to save a portion of their paycheck before taxes are taken out.

How can employees of Big Lots enroll in the 401(k) plan?

Employees of Big Lots can enroll in the 401(k) plan by completing the enrollment process through the company’s benefits portal or by speaking with the HR department.

Does Big Lots match employee contributions to the 401(k) plan?

Yes, Big Lots offers a matching contribution to the 401(k) plan, which helps employees grow their retirement savings.

What is the maximum contribution limit for Big Lots employees participating in the 401(k) plan?

The maximum contribution limit for Big Lots employees in the 401(k) plan is set by the IRS and may change annually; employees should check the current limits for the specific year.

When can Big Lots employees start contributing to the 401(k) plan?

Big Lots employees can start contributing to the 401(k) plan after they have completed their eligibility requirements, typically within the first few months of employment.

Are there any fees associated with the Big Lots 401(k) plan?

Yes, there may be administrative fees associated with the Big Lots 401(k) plan, which will be disclosed to employees during the enrollment process.

What investment options are available in the Big Lots 401(k) plan?

The Big Lots 401(k) plan offers a range of investment options, including mutual funds, target-date funds, and other investment vehicles to suit different risk tolerances.

Can Big Lots employees take loans against their 401(k) savings?

Yes, Big Lots employees may have the option to take loans against their 401(k) savings, subject to the plan’s terms and conditions.

What happens to the 401(k) plan if a Big Lots employee leaves the company?

If a Big Lots employee leaves the company, they can choose to roll over their 401(k) balance to another retirement account, cash out, or leave the funds in the Big Lots plan if permitted.

How often can Big Lots employees change their 401(k) contribution amounts?

Big Lots employees can typically change their 401(k) contribution amounts at any time, subject to the plan’s rules and guidelines.

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

Big Lots has announced plans to close several underperforming stores and lay off a portion of its workforce as part of a restructuring effort aimed at improving profitability. The company is also reviewing its benefit offerings and adjusting its pension plans to better align with current financial goals.

Additional Articles

Check Out Articles for Big Lots employees

For more information you can reach the plan administrator for Big Lots at 4900 E Dublin Granville Rd Westerville, OH 43081; or by calling them at +1 614-278-6800.