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Medical Mutual of Ohio 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 Medical Mutual of Ohio employees who are developing a retirement strategy.

Seven in ten Medical Mutual of Ohio 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.

Medical Mutual of Ohio 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 savings plan does Medical Mutual of Ohio offer?

Medical Mutual of Ohio offers a 401(k) retirement savings plan for its employees.

Does Medical Mutual of Ohio match employee contributions to the 401(k) plan?

Yes, Medical Mutual of Ohio provides a matching contribution to employee contributions, up to a certain percentage.

What is the eligibility requirement to participate in the Medical Mutual of Ohio 401(k) plan?

Employees of Medical Mutual of Ohio are eligible to participate in the 401(k) plan after completing a specified period of service.

How can employees of Medical Mutual of Ohio enroll in the 401(k) plan?

Employees can enroll in the Medical Mutual of Ohio 401(k) plan through the company's HR portal or by contacting the HR department.

What investment options are available in the Medical Mutual of Ohio 401(k) plan?

The Medical Mutual of Ohio 401(k) plan offers a variety of investment options, including mutual funds and target-date funds.

Can employees of Medical Mutual of Ohio take loans against their 401(k) savings?

Yes, Medical Mutual of Ohio allows employees to take loans against their 401(k) savings, subject to specific terms and conditions.

What is the vesting schedule for employer contributions in the Medical Mutual of Ohio 401(k) plan?

The vesting schedule for employer contributions at Medical Mutual of Ohio is outlined in the plan documents, typically based on years of service.

How often can employees change their contribution amounts in the Medical Mutual of Ohio 401(k) plan?

Employees can change their contribution amounts in the Medical Mutual of Ohio 401(k) plan at designated times throughout the year.

Does Medical Mutual of Ohio offer educational resources for employees regarding their 401(k) plan?

Yes, Medical Mutual of Ohio provides educational resources and tools to help employees understand their 401(k) options and investment choices.

What happens to my 401(k) savings if I leave Medical Mutual of Ohio?

If you leave Medical Mutual of Ohio, you can choose to roll over your 401(k) savings into another qualified retirement account or leave it in the Medical Mutual of Ohio plan, subject to certain conditions.