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Equitable Holdings Employees: Navigating the Complexities of Extended Care Costs in Retirement

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

Seven in ten Equitable Holdings 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.

Equitable Holdings 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 401(k) plan offered by Equitable Holdings?

The 401(k) plan at Equitable Holdings is a retirement savings plan that allows employees to save and invest a portion of their paycheck before taxes are taken out.

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

Employees can enroll in the Equitable Holdings 401(k) plan by accessing the benefits portal or contacting the HR department for guidance on the enrollment process.

Does Equitable Holdings offer a company match for the 401(k) contributions?

Yes, Equitable Holdings provides a company match for employee contributions to the 401(k) plan, which helps to enhance retirement savings.

What are the contribution limits for the 401(k) plan at Equitable Holdings?

The contribution limits for the Equitable Holdings 401(k) plan are in line with IRS regulations, which can change annually. Employees should check the latest guidelines for the current limits.

Can employees take loans against their 401(k) plans at Equitable Holdings?

Yes, Equitable Holdings allows employees to take loans against their 401(k) balance, subject to certain terms and conditions outlined in the plan documents.

What investment options are available in the Equitable Holdings 401(k) plan?

The 401(k) plan at Equitable Holdings offers a range of investment options, including mutual funds, index funds, and other investment vehicles to suit different risk tolerances.

Is there a vesting schedule for the company match in the Equitable Holdings 401(k) plan?

Yes, Equitable Holdings has a vesting schedule for the company match, which means employees must work for the company for a certain period before they fully own the matched contributions.

How can employees change their contribution percentage to the 401(k) plan at Equitable Holdings?

Employees can change their contribution percentage by logging into the benefits portal or contacting HR to submit their request.

What happens to the 401(k) plan if an employee leaves Equitable Holdings?

If an employee leaves Equitable Holdings, they have several options for their 401(k) plan, including rolling it over to another retirement account, cashing it out, or leaving it with Equitable Holdings.

Are there any penalties for early withdrawal from the Equitable Holdings 401(k) plan?

Yes, early withdrawals from the Equitable Holdings 401(k) plan may incur penalties and taxes, as per IRS regulations, unless certain conditions are met.