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Eversource Energy Employees: Navigating the Complexities of Extended Care Costs in Retirement

Healthcare Provider Update: Employees receive medical, prescription, dental, and vision coverage, with HSA contributions for high-deductible plans. The Med-Vantage Plan offers post-employment HRA contributions, making ACA planning relevant for retirees Click here to learn more

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

Seven in ten Eversource Energy 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.

Eversource Energy 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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ACL.gov, 2022

What is the Eversource Energy 401(k) Savings Plan?

The Eversource Energy 401(k) Savings Plan is a retirement savings plan that allows employees to save a portion of their salary on a pre-tax or after-tax basis, helping them build a financial foundation for retirement.

How can I enroll in the Eversource Energy 401(k) Savings Plan?

Employees can enroll in the Eversource Energy 401(k) Savings Plan through the company's benefits portal or by contacting the HR department for assistance.

What is the employer match for the Eversource Energy 401(k) Savings Plan?

Eversource Energy offers a competitive employer match to encourage employee participation in the 401(k) Savings Plan. Specific matching contributions can vary, so it's best to check the plan documentation for details.

Can I change my contribution rate to the Eversource Energy 401(k) Savings Plan?

Yes, employees can change their contribution rate to the Eversource Energy 401(k) Savings Plan at any time through the benefits portal or by contacting HR.

What investment options are available in the Eversource Energy 401(k) Savings Plan?

The Eversource Energy 401(k) Savings Plan offers a variety of investment options, including mutual funds, target-date funds, and company stock, allowing employees to tailor their investment strategy.

Is there a vesting schedule for the Eversource Energy 401(k) Savings Plan?

Yes, the Eversource Energy 401(k) Savings Plan has a vesting schedule for employer contributions. Employees should refer to the plan documents for specific details on the vesting timeline.

What happens to my Eversource Energy 401(k) Savings Plan if I leave the company?

If you leave Eversource Energy, you have several options regarding your 401(k) Savings Plan, including rolling over your balance to another retirement account, cashing out, or leaving it in the plan if permitted.

Can I take a loan from my Eversource Energy 401(k) Savings Plan?

Yes, Eversource Energy allows employees to take loans from their 401(k) Savings Plan, subject to certain conditions and limits. Employees should review the plan's loan policy for more information.

Are there hardship withdrawals available in the Eversource Energy 401(k) Savings Plan?

Yes, Eversource Energy permits hardship withdrawals from the 401(k) Savings Plan under specific circumstances. Employees must meet certain criteria to qualify for a hardship withdrawal.

How often can I review my Eversource Energy 401(k) Savings Plan statements?

Employees can review their Eversource Energy 401(k) Savings Plan statements quarterly, and they can also access their account information online at any time.

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

Eversource Energy offers comprehensive employee pension and 401(k) plans for its employees, focusing on both financial security and long-term retirement benefits. Eversource Energy's pension plan is accessible through their PensionConnect platform. Employees participating in the Eversource Pension Plan can manage their accounts via the platform, which has been updated with enhanced security since January 2019 (EHR.com). In addition to the pension plan, Eversource Energy offers a 401(k) plan, which includes a 100% match on the first 3% of employee contributions. An additional employer contribution, known as KVantage, is based on both the employee's age and years of service, and ranges from 2.5% to 6.5%. For employees over the age of 40, the MedVantage program provides an annual $1,000 contribution to a Health Reimbursement Account (HRA) for post-employment medical expenses

Restructuring Layoffs: Eversource has not announced any significant layoffs in 2023-2024, but the company remains vigilant in its operational adjustments to align with market conditions. Given the ongoing economic uncertainties, it's important for employees and stakeholders to stay informed about potential restructuring efforts that could impact job security and overall company strategy.

Eversource Energy provides its employees with both stock options and Restricted Stock Units (RSUs) as part of their compensation packages. The specific stock options and RSUs available at Eversource Energy are designed to align employee interests with those of shareholders, incentivizing long-term company performance. The stock options granted by Eversource Energy typically include the right to purchase company stock at a predetermined price, often based on the market value at the time of the grant. Employees generally must meet certain vesting conditions, such as continued employment over a specified period, to exercise these options. RSUs, on the other hand, are company shares granted to employees, which also vest over time. Once vested, the RSUs are converted into actual shares of Eversource Energy stock, which the employee can then hold or sell. As of 2022, 2023, and 2024, these stock options and RSUs have been made available to a broad range of employees within the company, primarily focusing on executive-level staff and those in key positions critical to the company's success. The specific eligibility criteria, vesting schedules, and grant amounts vary based on the employee's role and performance.

Eversource Energy offers a comprehensive set of health benefits designed to support the well-being of its employees. The company's health benefits for the years 2022, 2023, and 2024 include a variety of plans such as medical, prescription, dental, and vision coverage. Employees have access to Health Savings Accounts (HSAs) and Flexible Spending Accounts (FSAs), which allow them to manage healthcare expenses with tax advantages. Eversource is also known for its wellness program, which incentivizes employees and their spouses to adopt and maintain healthy lifestyles. The program includes access to wellness resources, often powered by platforms like Virgin Pulse, and offers rewards for participation in health-related activities. Additionally, Eversource has specific provisions for employees facing serious health conditions. For instance, the company offers protections against service shut-offs for households with members facing life-threatening conditions or serious illnesses. These protections extend through specific periods and require certification from a medical professional.

Additional Articles

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For more information you can reach the plan administrator for Eversource Energy at , ; or by calling them at .

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