Healthcare Provider Update: Healthcare Provider for Hess: For employees of Hess Corporation, the primary healthcare provider is UnitedHealthcare. This partnership allows Hess employees access to a comprehensive range of health services geared towards providing robust healthcare support. Potential Healthcare Cost Increases in 2026: In 2026, healthcare costs are anticipated to surge significantly for Hess employees due to a perfect storm of factors affecting the healthcare market. Record premium hikes in the Affordable Care Act (ACA) marketplace are expected, with some enrollees facing increases of over 75% if enhanced federal subsidies expire. Insurers are also projecting a sharp rise in medical costs, prompted by inflation and increased demand for services. This scenario could substantially impact out-of-pocket expenses for many employees, necessitating strategic planning and proactive healthcare management in the coming months. Click here to learn more
Addressing the potential risks of extended-term care expenses may be one of the biggest financial challenges for Hess employees who are developing a retirement strategy.
Seven in ten Hess 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.
Hess 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 Hess 401(k) Savings Plan?
The Hess 401(k) Savings Plan is a retirement savings plan that allows Hess employees to save a portion of their salary on a tax-deferred basis.
How does Hess match employee contributions to the 401(k) plan?
Hess matches employee contributions up to a certain percentage of their salary, helping employees maximize their retirement savings.
When can I enroll in the Hess 401(k) Savings Plan?
Employees can enroll in the Hess 401(k) Savings Plan during the initial eligibility period or during the annual open enrollment period.
What are the eligibility requirements for the Hess 401(k) Savings Plan?
To be eligible for the Hess 401(k) Savings Plan, employees must be at least 21 years old and have completed a specified period of service with the company.
Can I change my contribution percentage to the Hess 401(k) Savings Plan at any time?
Yes, employees can change their contribution percentage to the Hess 401(k) Savings Plan at any time, subject to plan rules.
What investment options are available in the Hess 401(k) Savings Plan?
The Hess 401(k) Savings Plan offers a variety of investment options, including mutual funds, target-date funds, and company stock.
Is there a loan option available in the Hess 401(k) Savings Plan?
Yes, the Hess 401(k) Savings Plan allows eligible employees to take loans against their account balance under certain conditions.
What happens to my Hess 401(k) Savings Plan if I leave the company?
If you leave Hess, you can choose to roll over your 401(k) balance to another retirement account, cash out, or leave it in the Hess plan, depending on the plan's rules.
How can I access my Hess 401(k) Savings Plan account information?
Employees can access their Hess 401(k) Savings Plan account information online through the plan's designated website or by contacting the plan administrator.
Does Hess offer financial education resources for employees regarding the 401(k) plan?
Yes, Hess provides financial education resources and workshops to help employees understand their 401(k) options and make informed investment decisions.