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

Cisco Systems Employees: Navigating the Complexities of Extended Care Costs in Retirement

Healthcare Provider Update: Healthcare Provider for Cisco Systems: Cisco Systems predominantly collaborates with major national insurers, mainly including Anthem (Elevance Health), UnitedHealthcare, and Aetna, to provide employee healthcare benefits. These collaborations offer a range of plans aimed at ensuring comprehensive health coverage for their employees and their families. Potential Healthcare Cost Increases in 2026: In 2026, employees of Cisco Systems may face significant increases in healthcare costs due to anticipated surges in health insurance premiums. With marketplace plans expected to see hikes of over 60% in some states, combined with the potential expiration of enhanced federal subsidies, out-of-pocket expenditures could rise dramatically. These changes, alongside medical cost inflation projected between 7% to 10%, indicate a challenging landscape for healthcare affordability, urging employees to evaluate their benefits and cost management strategies carefully ahead of these increases. Click here to learn more

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

Seven in ten Cisco Systems 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.

Cisco Systems 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 is the Cisco Systems 401(k) plan?

The Cisco Systems 401(k) plan is a retirement savings plan that allows employees to save a portion of their salary on a tax-deferred basis.

How can I enroll in the Cisco Systems 401(k) plan?

Employees can enroll in the Cisco Systems 401(k) plan through the employee benefits portal or by contacting the HR department for assistance.

What is the employer match for the Cisco Systems 401(k) plan?

Cisco Systems offers a competitive employer match for contributions made to the 401(k) plan, typically matching a percentage of employee contributions up to a certain limit.

Are there any fees associated with the Cisco Systems 401(k) plan?

Yes, the Cisco Systems 401(k) plan may have administrative fees and investment fees, which are disclosed in the plan documents.

What investment options are available in the Cisco Systems 401(k) plan?

The Cisco Systems 401(k) plan offers a variety of investment options, including mutual funds, target-date funds, and company stock.

Can I take a loan from my Cisco Systems 401(k) plan?

Yes, employees may have the option to take a loan from their Cisco Systems 401(k) plan, subject to certain terms and conditions.

What happens to my Cisco Systems 401(k) plan if I leave the company?

If you leave Cisco Systems, you have several options for your 401(k) plan, including rolling it over to an IRA or a new employer’s plan, or cashing it out.

At what age can I start withdrawing from my Cisco Systems 401(k) plan?

You can typically start withdrawing from your Cisco Systems 401(k) plan without penalties at age 59½.

Does Cisco Systems offer financial counseling for 401(k) participants?

Yes, Cisco Systems may provide access to financial counseling services to help employees make informed decisions about their 401(k) investments.

How often can I change my contribution amount to the Cisco Systems 401(k) plan?

Employees can typically change their contribution amount to the Cisco Systems 401(k) plan at any time, subject to plan rules.

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

Cisco Systems provides a 401(k) plan with company matching contributions. Employees can contribute pre-tax or Roth (after-tax) dollars, and Cisco matches 100% of the first 4.5% of eligible compensation. The plan includes various investment options such as target-date funds, mutual funds, and a self-directed brokerage account. Cisco also offers an Employee Stock Purchase Plan (ESPP) with a discount on company stock. Financial planning resources and tools are available to help employees manage their retirement savings.

Cisco is undergoing a major restructuring, which includes laying off thousands of employees to focus on high-growth markets like AI and cloud computing. The company is also planning to acquire Splunk Inc., which is expected to enhance its capabilities in these areas. Cisco offers a 401(k) plan with immediate enrollment and a range of health and wellness benefits for retirees. Staying updated on these benefits is crucial given the current political climate.

Cisco Systems offers both RSUs and stock options to employees. RSUs vest over time and convert into shares, while stock options allow employees to buy shares at a fixed price.

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For more information you can reach the plan administrator for Cisco Systems at 170 W Tasman Dr San Jose, CA 95134; or by calling them at (408) 526-4000.