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PC Connection 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 PC Connection employees who are developing a retirement strategy.

Seven in ten PC Connection 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.

PC Connection 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.

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What type of retirement plan does PC Connection offer to its employees?

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

When can employees at PC Connection enroll in the 401(k) plan?

Employees at PC Connection can enroll in the 401(k) plan during the initial enrollment period or during the annual open enrollment period.

Does PC Connection match employee contributions to the 401(k) plan?

Yes, PC Connection offers a matching contribution to employee contributions up to a certain percentage.

What is the vesting schedule for employer contributions at PC Connection?

The vesting schedule for employer contributions at PC Connection typically follows a graded vesting schedule over a period of years.

How can employees at PC Connection access their 401(k) account information?

Employees at PC Connection can access their 401(k) account information through the company's designated retirement plan website or portal.

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

PC Connection's 401(k) plan offers a variety of investment options including mutual funds, target-date funds, and other investment vehicles.

Can employees at PC Connection take loans against their 401(k) savings?

Yes, employees at PC Connection may be able to take loans against their 401(k) savings, subject to specific plan rules.

What is the minimum contribution percentage required for employees at PC Connection to participate in the 401(k) plan?

The minimum contribution percentage required for employees at PC Connection to participate in the 401(k) plan is typically set at 1% of their salary.

Are there any penalties for withdrawing funds from the PC Connection 401(k) plan before retirement age?

Yes, there are generally penalties for withdrawing funds from the PC Connection 401(k) plan before reaching retirement age, unless certain conditions are met.

How often can employees at PC Connection change their contribution amount to the 401(k) plan?

Employees at PC Connection can change their contribution amount during the annual open enrollment period or as permitted by the plan.

With the current political climate we are in it is important to keep up with current news and remain knowledgeable about your benefits.

In 2024, PC Connection announced a restructuring plan that involves a reduction of approximately 5% of its workforce. The company also revised its 401(k) matching contributions, reducing the match percentage from 6% to 4%. This restructuring is part of a broader strategy to streamline operations and focus on high-growth areas.