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

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

Seven in ten Matson 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.

Matson 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 type of retirement plan does Matson offer to its employees?

Matson offers a 401(k) retirement savings plan to its employees.

Does Matson provide any employer match contributions to the 401(k) plan?

Yes, Matson offers an employer match on employee contributions to the 401(k) plan, subject to certain limits.

What is the eligibility requirement for Matson employees to participate in the 401(k) plan?

Employees of Matson are typically eligible to participate in the 401(k) plan after completing a specified period of service, which is outlined in the plan documents.

Can Matson employees make pre-tax contributions to their 401(k) accounts?

Yes, Matson employees can make pre-tax contributions to their 401(k) accounts, reducing their taxable income.

Are there any Roth contribution options available in Matson's 401(k) plan?

Yes, Matson offers a Roth 401(k) option, allowing employees to make after-tax contributions.

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

Matson's 401(k) plan includes a variety of investment options, such as mutual funds and target-date funds, allowing employees to choose according to their risk tolerance.

How often can Matson employees change their contribution amounts to the 401(k) plan?

Matson employees can change their contribution amounts to the 401(k) plan on a regular basis, typically during open enrollment periods or as specified in the plan guidelines.

What is the vesting schedule for Matson's employer match contributions in the 401(k) plan?

The vesting schedule for Matson's employer match contributions may vary, but it generally requires employees to work for a certain number of years before becoming fully vested.

Can Matson employees take loans against their 401(k) savings?

Yes, Matson allows employees to take loans against their 401(k) savings, subject to the terms and conditions of the plan.

What happens to Matson employees' 401(k) accounts if they leave the company?

If Matson employees leave the company, they have several options for their 401(k) accounts, including rolling over the balance to another retirement account or leaving it with Matson.