New Update: Healthcare Costs Increasing by Over 60% in Some States. Will you be impacted?

Polaris Employees: Navigating the Essentials of Medicare Advantage Plans for Your Retirement Health Needs

Healthcare Provider Update: Polaris is associated with UnitedHealthcare as its primary healthcare provider. For Polaris employees, the anticipated spike in healthcare costs in 2026 is concerning. With recent projections indicating that Affordable Care Act (ACA) premiums could surge by as much as 66% in certain states, many employees may face a substantial financial burden due to the expiration of enhanced federal subsidies and ongoing medical cost inflation. This means that individuals reliant on ACA marketplace plans could see their out-of-pocket expenses increase dramatically, complicating budgeting for healthcare needs in the upcoming year. It's crucial for these employees to take proactive measures to navigate the financial landscape they anticipate facing in 2026. Click here to learn more

Medicare Advantage, sometimes known as “Part C,” is something of a catch-all choice for Polaris employees who are ready to sign up for Medicare. Medicare Advantage plans are offered by private insurers in conjunction with the Medicare program and can provide you with additional health insurance coverage.

What’s in them?
In addition to signing up for Medicare Part A (hospital stays) and Part B (medical coverage), Medicare Advantage plans offer their subscribers extra features. This frequently, but not always, includes the Medicare Part D prescription drug plan. In some cases, Medicare Advantage plans offer coverage for areas not normally offered within regular Medicare plans. This can include dental, hearing, and vision insurance.

What are the rules?
Medicare pays for a fixed amount of your health care to Polaris offering your Medicare Advantage (MA) plan. Beyond that, each MA plan requires different out-of-pocket fees. Those fees can vary from plan to plan. Depending on your plan, you may have different rules you need to follow when seeking a medical referral to get treatment from a specialist or if you are seeking non-urgent care (even from health care providers within the plan). It’s also important to remember that rules, requirements, and features may change from year to year. It will be important to make sure that those changes line up with any treatment that you need.

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What about my prescriptions?
While most MA plans offer Part D coverage for prescription drugs, some don’t. One example would be Medicare Medical Savings Account plans. In cases where the plan can’t or chooses not to offer prescription drug coverage, you may have the ability to join a separate Medicare Prescription Drug Plan, depending on the type of plan you enroll in. You will likely have a number of questions and concerns as you examine your options for Medicare Advantage plans. Discuss these with a trusted financial professional who can help you make choices that may best fit your lifestyle.

1. Medicare.gov, 2022

What is the Polaris 401(k) plan?

The Polaris 401(k) 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 basis.

How can I enroll in the Polaris 401(k) plan?

You can enroll in the Polaris 401(k) plan by accessing the employee benefits portal or contacting the HR department for assistance with the enrollment process.

What is the employer match for the Polaris 401(k) plan?

Polaris offers a competitive employer match for the 401(k) plan, typically matching a percentage of your contributions up to a certain limit. Please refer to the benefits guide for specific details.

Can I change my contribution rate to the Polaris 401(k) plan?

Yes, you can change your contribution rate to the Polaris 401(k) plan at any time through the employee benefits portal or by contacting HR.

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

The Polaris 401(k) plan offers a variety of investment options, including mutual funds, target-date funds, and other investment vehicles to help you diversify your portfolio.

When can I start withdrawing from my Polaris 401(k) plan?

You can start withdrawing from your Polaris 401(k) plan without penalty after reaching the age of 59½, but there are also options for hardship withdrawals under certain circumstances.

Does Polaris offer a Roth 401(k) option?

Yes, Polaris offers a Roth 401(k) option, allowing employees to make after-tax contributions that can grow tax-free.

How often can I make changes to my investments in the Polaris 401(k) plan?

You can typically make changes to your investment allocations in the Polaris 401(k) plan on a regular basis, often daily, depending on the plan's rules.

What happens to my Polaris 401(k) if I leave the company?

If you leave Polaris, you can choose to roll over your 401(k) balance to another retirement account, cash it out (which may incur taxes and penalties), or leave it in the Polaris plan if allowed.

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

Yes, Polaris has a vesting schedule for the employer match, meaning you will need to work for the company for a certain period before you fully own the matched funds.