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OGE Energy Employees: Navigating the Complexities of Extended Care Costs in Retirement

Healthcare Provider Update: Provides company health insurance, preventive care, ergonomic workstations, and wellness programs. Employees also receive group accident insurance and access to mental health services 2. With ACA insurers requesting double-digit hikes, OGEs internal health offerings may help employees avoid the financial strain of rising marketplace premiums. Click here to learn more

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

Seven in ten OGE Energy 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.

OGE Energy 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 purpose of OGE Energy's 401(k) Savings Plan?

The purpose of OGE Energy's 401(k) Savings Plan is to help employees save for retirement by providing a tax-advantaged way to contribute a portion of their salary.

How can I enroll in OGE Energy's 401(k) Savings Plan?

Employees can enroll in OGE Energy's 401(k) Savings Plan by completing the enrollment process through the company’s HR portal or by contacting the HR department for assistance.

What types of contributions can I make to OGE Energy's 401(k) Savings Plan?

Employees can make pre-tax contributions, Roth (after-tax) contributions, and, in some cases, catch-up contributions if they are age 50 or older in OGE Energy's 401(k) Savings Plan.

Does OGE Energy offer a company match for 401(k) contributions?

Yes, OGE Energy offers a company match for employee contributions to the 401(k) Savings Plan, which helps to enhance retirement savings.

What is the vesting schedule for OGE Energy's 401(k) company match?

The vesting schedule for OGE Energy's 401(k) company match typically follows a graded vesting schedule, which means employees become vested in the company match over a specified period of service.

Can I take loans against my 401(k) balance at OGE Energy?

Yes, OGE Energy's 401(k) Savings Plan allows employees to take loans against their account balance, subject to certain terms and conditions.

What investment options are available in OGE Energy's 401(k) Savings Plan?

OGE Energy's 401(k) Savings Plan offers a variety of investment options, including mutual funds, target-date funds, and potentially company stock, allowing employees to diversify their retirement savings.

How often can I change my contribution amount to OGE Energy's 401(k) Savings Plan?

Employees can change their contribution amount to OGE Energy's 401(k) Savings Plan at any time, typically through the HR portal or by contacting HR.

Is there a minimum contribution requirement for OGE Energy's 401(k) Savings Plan?

Yes, OGE Energy's 401(k) Savings Plan may have a minimum contribution requirement, which is typically outlined in the plan documents provided to employees.

How can I check my 401(k) balance with OGE Energy?

Employees can check their 401(k) balance with OGE Energy by logging into the plan's online portal or by contacting the plan administrator for assistance.