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

Healthcare Provider Update: Comerica provides health, dental, and vision insurance, along with life and disability coverage. Employees benefit from a range of retirement plans including 401(k), defined benefit, and deferred compensation options. Additional perks include financial planning services, loyalty rewards, and prepaid card programs. The company also offers identity theft protection, pet insurance, and flexible voluntary benefits 6. Comerica As ACA premiums rise, Comericas layered insurance and retirement benefits help employees maintain affordable coverage and financial stability. Employer-sponsored plans remain a vital buffer against rising healthcare costs. Click here to learn more

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

Seven in ten Comerica 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.

Comerica 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 primary purpose of Comerica's 401(k) plan?

The primary purpose of Comerica's 401(k) plan is to help employees save for retirement by allowing them to contribute a portion of their salary on a pre-tax or after-tax basis.

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

Comerica employees can enroll in the 401(k) plan by accessing the employee benefits portal and following the enrollment instructions provided.

What types of contributions can Comerica employees make to their 401(k) accounts?

Comerica employees can make pre-tax contributions, Roth (after-tax) contributions, and may also have the option for catch-up contributions if they are age 50 or older.

Does Comerica offer any matching contributions to the 401(k) plan?

Yes, Comerica offers a matching contribution to the 401(k) plan, which is based on employee contributions up to a certain percentage of their salary.

What is the vesting schedule for Comerica's 401(k) matching contributions?

The vesting schedule for Comerica's 401(k) matching contributions typically follows a graded schedule, meaning employees become vested in the company match over a period of time.

Can Comerica employees take loans against their 401(k) accounts?

Yes, Comerica employees may be able to take loans against their 401(k) accounts, subject to the plan's terms and conditions.

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

Comerica's 401(k) plan offers a variety of investment options, including mutual funds, target-date funds, and other investment vehicles to suit different risk tolerances.

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

Comerica employees can typically change their 401(k) contribution amounts at any time, subject to the plan's guidelines and payroll processing schedules.

What happens to a Comerica employee's 401(k) account if they leave the company?

If a Comerica 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 Comerica plan if allowed.

Is there a minimum contribution requirement for Comerica's 401(k) plan?

Comerica's 401(k) plan may have a minimum contribution requirement, which is typically outlined in the plan documents.

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

Comerica has announced a restructuring plan that includes significant layoffs affecting several departments. The company is also revising its benefit offerings and adjusting its pension plans.