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Vertex Pharmaceuticals 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 Vertex Pharmaceuticals employees who are developing a retirement strategy.

Seven in ten Vertex Pharmaceuticals 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.

Vertex Pharmaceuticals 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 401(k) plan offered by Vertex Pharmaceuticals?

The 401(k) plan at Vertex Pharmaceuticals is a retirement savings plan that allows employees to save a portion of their salary before taxes are deducted.

How can I enroll in the 401(k) plan at Vertex Pharmaceuticals?

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

What is the employer match for the 401(k) plan at Vertex Pharmaceuticals?

Vertex Pharmaceuticals offers a competitive employer match for contributions made to the 401(k) plan, which is designed to help employees maximize their retirement savings.

At what age can I start contributing to the Vertex Pharmaceuticals 401(k) plan?

Employees at Vertex Pharmaceuticals can start contributing to the 401(k) plan as soon as they are eligible, typically upon their date of hire.

How much can I contribute to the Vertex Pharmaceuticals 401(k) plan each year?

The contribution limits for the Vertex Pharmaceuticals 401(k) plan align with IRS guidelines, allowing employees to contribute up to a specified maximum amount each year.

Does Vertex Pharmaceuticals offer a Roth 401(k) option?

Yes, Vertex Pharmaceuticals offers a Roth 401(k) option, allowing employees to make after-tax contributions to their retirement savings.

Can I change my contribution amount to the Vertex Pharmaceuticals 401(k) plan?

Yes, employees can change their contribution amounts to the Vertex Pharmaceuticals 401(k) plan at any time, subject to plan rules.

What investment options are available in the Vertex Pharmaceuticals 401(k) plan?

The Vertex Pharmaceuticals 401(k) plan offers a variety of investment options, including mutual funds, target-date funds, and other investment vehicles tailored to different risk tolerances.

When can I access my funds from the Vertex Pharmaceuticals 401(k) plan?

Employees can access their funds from the Vertex Pharmaceuticals 401(k) plan upon reaching retirement age, or in certain circumstances such as financial hardship or termination of employment.

How does the vesting schedule work for the Vertex Pharmaceuticals 401(k) plan?

The vesting schedule for the Vertex Pharmaceuticals 401(k) plan determines how much of the employer match you are entitled to keep based on your years of service.