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Addressing the potential risks of extended-term care expenses may be one of the biggest financial challenges for Maximus employees who are developing a retirement strategy.
Seven in ten Maximus 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.
Maximus 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 Maximus?
The 401(k) plan offered by Maximus is a retirement savings plan that allows employees to save a portion of their paycheck before taxes are taken out.
How can I enroll in the Maximus 401(k) plan?
You can enroll in the Maximus 401(k) plan by completing the enrollment form available through the HR portal or by contacting the HR department for assistance.
Does Maximus match employee contributions to the 401(k) plan?
Yes, Maximus offers a matching contribution to employee 401(k) plans, which helps to enhance your retirement savings.
What is the maximum contribution limit for the Maximus 401(k) plan?
The maximum contribution limit for the Maximus 401(k) plan is set annually by the IRS, and you can check the latest limits on the IRS website or through Maximus’s HR resources.
Can I change my contribution percentage to the Maximus 401(k) plan?
Yes, you can change your contribution percentage to the Maximus 401(k) plan at any time by submitting a request through the HR portal.
When can I start withdrawing from my Maximus 401(k) plan?
You can start withdrawing from your Maximus 401(k) plan at age 59½, or earlier under certain circumstances such as financial hardship.
Are there any fees associated with the Maximus 401(k) plan?
Yes, there may be administrative fees associated with the Maximus 401(k) plan, which are outlined in the plan documents provided to employees.
Does Maximus provide investment options within the 401(k) plan?
Yes, Maximus provides a variety of investment options within the 401(k) plan, allowing employees to choose based on their risk tolerance and retirement goals.
How often can I change my investment allocations in the Maximus 401(k) plan?
Employees can change their investment allocations in the Maximus 401(k) plan as often as they wish, subject to the plan's guidelines.
What happens to my Maximus 401(k) plan if I leave the company?
If you leave Maximus, you have several options regarding your 401(k) plan, including rolling it over to another retirement account, cashing it out, or leaving it with Maximus.