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Sprouts Farmers Market Employees: Navigating the Complexities of Extended Care Costs in Retirement

Healthcare Provider Update: Healthcare Provider for Sprouts Farmers Market: Sprouts Farmers Market provides healthcare coverage primarily through the Affordable Care Act (ACA) marketplace. As a participant in the ACA marketplace, employees have access to various health insurance plans through national insurers, offering a range of coverage options depending on the selected plan. Potential Healthcare Cost Increases for Sprouts Farmers Market in 2026: In 2026, employees of Sprouts Farmers Market are poised to face significant increases in healthcare costs, stemming from proposed premium hikes for ACA marketplace plans. Some states are projected to experience premium increases exceeding 60%, driven by the termination of enhanced federal subsidies, rising medical costs, and aggressive rate hikes from major insurers. Experts predict that without congressional action to continue these subsidies, nearly 92% of marketplace enrollees may see their out-of-pocket premiums surge by an astonishing 75%, complicating the healthcare budgeting process for many employees. Click here to learn more

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

Seven in ten Sprouts Farmers Market 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.

Sprouts Farmers Market 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 Sprouts Farmers Market offer to its employees?

Sprouts Farmers Market offers a 401(k) retirement savings plan to its employees.

Does Sprouts Farmers Market match employee contributions to the 401(k) plan?

Yes, Sprouts Farmers Market provides a matching contribution to employee 401(k) contributions, subject to certain limits.

What is the eligibility requirement for Sprouts Farmers Market employees to participate in the 401(k) plan?

Employees of Sprouts Farmers Market typically become eligible to participate in the 401(k) plan after completing a specified period of service.

How can employees of Sprouts Farmers Market enroll in the 401(k) plan?

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

What types of investment options are available in the Sprouts Farmers Market 401(k) plan?

The Sprouts Farmers Market 401(k) plan offers a variety of investment options, including mutual funds, target-date funds, and other investment vehicles.

Can Sprouts Farmers Market employees change their contribution percentage to the 401(k) plan?

Yes, employees of Sprouts Farmers Market can change their contribution percentage to the 401(k) plan at any time, subject to plan rules.

Is there a vesting schedule for the employer match in the Sprouts Farmers Market 401(k) plan?

Yes, there is typically a vesting schedule for the employer match in the Sprouts Farmers Market 401(k) plan, which determines when employees fully own the matched funds.

At what age can Sprouts Farmers Market employees start withdrawing from their 401(k) plan without penalties?

Employees of Sprouts Farmers Market can generally start withdrawing from their 401(k) plan without penalties at age 59½.

Does Sprouts Farmers Market allow loans against the 401(k) plan?

Yes, the Sprouts Farmers Market 401(k) plan may allow employees to take loans against their account balance, subject to plan provisions.

What happens to the 401(k) plan if a Sprouts Farmers Market employee leaves the company?

If a Sprouts Farmers Market employee leaves the company, they can choose to roll over their 401(k) balance to another retirement account, cash out, or leave it in the Sprouts Farmers Market plan if permitted.