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Guardian Life Ins. Co. of America 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 Guardian Life Ins. Co. of America employees who are developing a retirement strategy.

Seven in ten Guardian Life Ins. Co. of America 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.

Guardian Life Ins. Co. of America 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 types of retirement savings plans does Guardian Life Ins. Co. of America offer to its employees?

Guardian Life Ins. Co. of America offers a 401(k) plan as a primary retirement savings option for its employees.

How can employees of Guardian Life Ins. Co. of America enroll in the 401(k) plan?

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

What is the employer match policy for the 401(k) plan at Guardian Life Ins. Co. of America?

Guardian Life Ins. Co. of America provides a competitive employer match for employee contributions to the 401(k) plan, which is detailed in the plan summary.

Can employees of Guardian Life Ins. Co. of America change their contribution percentage to the 401(k) plan?

Yes, employees can change their contribution percentage at any time by submitting a request through the employee benefits portal.

What investment options are available in the 401(k) plan at Guardian Life Ins. Co. of America?

Guardian Life Ins. Co. of America offers a range of investment options in its 401(k) plan, including mutual funds, target-date funds, and other investment vehicles.

Is there a vesting schedule for the employer contributions in Guardian Life Ins. Co. of America’s 401(k) plan?

Yes, Guardian Life Ins. Co. of America has a vesting schedule that determines when employees fully own the employer contributions made to their 401(k) accounts.

What is the minimum age requirement to participate in the 401(k) plan at Guardian Life Ins. Co. of America?

Employees must be at least 21 years old to participate in the 401(k) plan at Guardian Life Ins. Co. of America.

How often can employees of Guardian Life Ins. Co. of America make changes to their investment elections in the 401(k) plan?

Employees can make changes to their investment elections in the 401(k) plan at any time, subject to the terms outlined in the plan documents.

Does Guardian Life Ins. Co. of America provide financial education resources for employees regarding their 401(k) plan?

Yes, Guardian Life Ins. Co. of America offers financial education resources and workshops to help employees understand their 401(k) plan and make informed investment decisions.

What happens to an employee's 401(k) account if they leave Guardian Life Ins. Co. of America?

If an employee leaves Guardian Life Ins. Co. of America, they have several options for their 401(k) account, including rolling it over to another retirement account, cashing it out, or leaving it with Guardian.