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Viasat 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 Viasat employees who are developing a retirement strategy.

Seven in ten Viasat 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.

Viasat 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 Viasat 401(k) Savings Plan?

The Viasat 401(k) Savings Plan is a retirement savings plan that allows employees to save for their future by contributing a portion of their salary on a pre-tax or Roth (after-tax) basis.

How can I enroll in the Viasat 401(k) Savings Plan?

You can enroll in the Viasat 401(k) Savings Plan by accessing the employee benefits portal or contacting the HR department for guidance on the enrollment process.

What is the employer match for the Viasat 401(k) Savings Plan?

Viasat offers a competitive employer match for contributions made to the 401(k) Savings Plan, which helps employees maximize their retirement savings.

When can I start contributing to the Viasat 401(k) Savings Plan?

Employees at Viasat can start contributing to the 401(k) Savings Plan after completing their eligibility requirements, typically within the first few months of employment.

What are the contribution limits for the Viasat 401(k) Savings Plan?

The contribution limits for the Viasat 401(k) Savings Plan are set by the IRS and can change annually. Employees should check the latest guidelines to ensure they are within the limits.

Can I make changes to my contributions in the Viasat 401(k) Savings Plan?

Yes, Viasat allows employees to adjust their contribution amounts to the 401(k) Savings Plan at any time throughout the year.

What investment options are available in the Viasat 401(k) Savings Plan?

The Viasat 401(k) Savings Plan offers a variety of investment options, including mutual funds, stocks, and bonds, allowing employees to choose based on their risk tolerance and retirement goals.

Does Viasat offer financial education resources for 401(k) participants?

Yes, Viasat provides financial education resources and tools to help employees make informed decisions about their 401(k) Savings Plan investments.

How can I access my Viasat 401(k) account information?

Employees can access their Viasat 401(k) account information through the employee benefits portal or by contacting the plan administrator directly.

What happens to my Viasat 401(k) Savings Plan if I leave the company?

If you leave Viasat, you have several options for your 401(k) Savings Plan, including rolling it over to an IRA or a new employer's plan, cashing it out, or leaving it in the Viasat plan if eligible.