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Portland General Electric 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 Portland General Electric employees who are developing a retirement strategy.

Seven in ten Portland General Electric 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.

Portland General Electric 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 Portland General Electric offer to its employees?

Portland General Electric offers a 401(k) retirement savings plan to help employees save for their future.

How does Portland General Electric match employee contributions to the 401(k) plan?

Portland General Electric matches employee contributions up to a certain percentage, which is outlined in the plan documents.

Can employees at Portland General Electric contribute to their 401(k) plan on a pre-tax basis?

Yes, employees at Portland General Electric can make pre-tax contributions to their 401(k) plan, reducing their taxable income.

Is there a Roth 401(k) option available for employees at Portland General Electric?

Yes, Portland General Electric offers a Roth 401(k) option, allowing employees to contribute after-tax dollars for tax-free withdrawals in retirement.

What is the eligibility requirement for employees to participate in the 401(k) plan at Portland General Electric?

Employees at Portland General Electric typically become eligible to participate in the 401(k) plan after completing a specified period of service.

How can employees at Portland General Electric enroll in the 401(k) plan?

Employees can enroll in the 401(k) plan through the company’s HR portal or by contacting the HR department for assistance.

What investment options are available in the Portland General Electric 401(k) plan?

The Portland General Electric 401(k) plan offers a variety of investment options, including mutual funds, target-date funds, and other investment vehicles.

Does Portland General Electric provide any financial education resources for employees regarding their 401(k)?

Yes, Portland General Electric provides financial education resources, including workshops and access to financial advisors, to help employees make informed decisions about their 401(k) savings.

What is the vesting schedule for employer contributions in the Portland General Electric 401(k) plan?

The vesting schedule for employer contributions at Portland General Electric is detailed in the plan documents, typically requiring a certain number of years of service for full vesting.

Can employees take loans against their 401(k) balance at Portland General Electric?

Yes, employees at Portland General Electric may have the option to take loans against their 401(k) balance, subject to the plan’s terms and conditions.