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Addressing the potential risks of extended-term care expenses may be one of the biggest financial challenges for Meritor employees who are developing a retirement strategy.
Seven in ten Meritor 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.
Meritor 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 primary purpose of Meritor's 401(k) Savings Plan?
The primary purpose of Meritor's 401(k) Savings Plan is to help employees save for retirement by allowing them to contribute a portion of their salary on a pre-tax or after-tax basis.
How can employees enroll in Meritor's 401(k) Savings Plan?
Employees can enroll in Meritor's 401(k) Savings Plan by accessing the enrollment portal through the company’s HR website or by contacting the HR department for assistance.
What types of contributions can employees make to Meritor's 401(k) Savings Plan?
Employees can make pre-tax contributions, Roth (after-tax) contributions, and may also be eligible for catch-up contributions if they are age 50 or older.
Does Meritor offer any matching contributions to the 401(k) Savings Plan?
Yes, Meritor offers a matching contribution to the 401(k) Savings Plan, which is designed to encourage employees to save for retirement.
What is the vesting schedule for matching contributions at Meritor?
The vesting schedule for matching contributions at Meritor typically follows a graded schedule, where employees become vested in their employer match over a period of time.
Can employees change their contribution amounts to Meritor's 401(k) Savings Plan?
Yes, employees can change their contribution amounts to Meritor's 401(k) Savings Plan at any time, subject to the plan’s guidelines.
What investment options are available in Meritor's 401(k) Savings Plan?
Meritor's 401(k) Savings Plan offers a variety of investment options, including mutual funds, target-date funds, and other investment vehicles to help employees diversify their portfolios.
How often can employees reallocate their investments in Meritor's 401(k) Savings Plan?
Employees can typically reallocate their investments in Meritor's 401(k) Savings Plan on a quarterly basis or as specified in the plan documents.
Is there a loan provision in Meritor's 401(k) Savings Plan?
Yes, Meritor's 401(k) Savings Plan may allow employees to take loans against their account balance, subject to certain conditions and limits.
At what age can employees begin withdrawing from Meritor's 401(k) Savings Plan without penalties?
Employees can begin withdrawing from Meritor's 401(k) Savings Plan without penalties at age 59½, provided they meet the plan's requirements.
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