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Addressing the potential risks of extended-term care expenses may be one of the biggest financial challenges for PPL employees who are developing a retirement strategy.
Seven in ten PPL 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.
PPL 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 PPL offer to its employees?
PPL offers a 401(k) retirement savings plan to its employees.
How can PPL employees enroll in the 401(k) plan?
PPL employees can enroll in the 401(k) plan through the company’s HR portal or by contacting the HR department for assistance.
What is the employer match policy for PPL's 401(k) plan?
PPL matches employee contributions up to a certain percentage, which is detailed in the plan documents provided to employees.
Are there any eligibility requirements for PPL employees to participate in the 401(k) plan?
Yes, PPL employees must meet specific eligibility criteria, such as length of service, as outlined in the plan documents.
What investment options are available in PPL's 401(k) plan?
PPL offers a variety of investment options, including mutual funds, stocks, and bonds, allowing employees to tailor their investment strategy.
Can PPL employees take loans against their 401(k) savings?
Yes, PPL allows employees to take loans against their 401(k) savings, subject to certain terms and conditions.
What is the vesting schedule for PPL's 401(k) employer contributions?
PPL has a vesting schedule for employer contributions, which means employees earn rights to those contributions over time based on their years of service.
How often can PPL employees change their contribution amounts to the 401(k) plan?
PPL employees can change their contribution amounts at designated times throughout the year, typically during open enrollment periods.
What happens to my PPL 401(k) if I leave the company?
If you leave PPL, you have several options for your 401(k), including cashing it out, rolling it over to another retirement account, or leaving it with PPL.
Does PPL provide educational resources about the 401(k) plan?
Yes, PPL provides educational resources and workshops to help employees understand their 401(k) options and investment strategies.