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Biogen 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 Biogen employees who are developing a retirement strategy.

Seven in ten Biogen 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.

Biogen 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.

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What type of retirement savings plan does Biogen offer to its employees?

Biogen offers a 401(k) retirement savings plan to its employees.

How can employees at Biogen enroll in the 401(k) plan?

Employees at Biogen can enroll in the 401(k) plan through the company’s HR portal or by contacting the HR department for assistance.

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

Yes, Biogen provides a matching contribution to employee contributions made to the 401(k) plan, subject to certain limits.

What is the maximum contribution limit for Biogen's 401(k) plan?

The maximum contribution limit for Biogen's 401(k) plan is determined by IRS guidelines, which may change annually.

Can employees at Biogen take loans against their 401(k) savings?

Yes, Biogen allows employees to take loans against their 401(k) savings, subject to specific terms and conditions.

What investment options are available in Biogen's 401(k) plan?

Biogen’s 401(k) plan offers a variety of investment options, including mutual funds, target-date funds, and other investment vehicles.

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

Biogen employees can change their 401(k) contribution amounts at any time, subject to payroll processing timelines.

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

Yes, Biogen has a vesting schedule for its matching contributions, which means employees must work for a certain period to fully own those contributions.

Can Biogen employees roll over their 401(k) savings from a previous employer?

Yes, Biogen employees can roll over their 401(k) savings from a previous employer into Biogen's 401(k) plan.

What happens to Biogen employees' 401(k) savings if they leave the company?

If Biogen employees leave the company, they can either roll over their 401(k) savings to another qualified plan, cash out, or leave the savings in the Biogen plan if permitted.

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

Biogen is undergoing a significant restructuring that includes layoffs impacting various departments. The company is also making changes to its pension plan and 401(k) benefits.