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

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

Healthcare Provider Update: Public Storage offers its employees health insurance options through the Affordable Care Act (ACA) marketplace as well as employer-sponsored plans. The specific healthcare providers utilized may vary, often including major insurers such as UnitedHealthcare and Anthem, which have strong presences in many states. As we approach 2026, significant increases in healthcare costs are anticipated, particularly for those enrolled in ACA marketplace plans. Projections suggest that average premiums could rise by approximately 18%, with certain states potentially experiencing hikes over 60%. The expected expiration of enhanced federal premium subsidies will largely contribute to these sharp increases, meaning many Public Storage employees and retirees could face drastic out-of-pocket costs. As the market grapples with rising medical expenses and insurer rate hikes, individuals should be prepared for a challenging landscape in healthcare costs as they plan for the upcoming year. Click here to learn more

Medicare Advantage, sometimes known as “Part C,” is something of a catch-all choice for Public Storage 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 Public Storage 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 type of retirement savings plan does Public Storage offer to its employees?

Public Storage offers a 401(k) retirement savings plan to help employees save for retirement.

Does Public Storage match employee contributions to the 401(k) plan?

Yes, Public Storage provides a matching contribution to employee 401(k) contributions, subject to certain limits.

When can employees at Public Storage enroll in the 401(k) plan?

Employees at Public Storage can enroll in the 401(k) plan during their initial eligibility period or during the annual open enrollment period.

What is the eligibility requirement for Public Storage employees to participate in the 401(k) plan?

To participate in the 401(k) plan at Public Storage, employees must meet specific service and age requirements as outlined in the plan documents.

How can Public Storage employees make changes to their 401(k) contributions?

Public Storage employees can make changes to their 401(k) contributions by logging into the employee benefits portal or by contacting the HR department.

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

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

Can Public Storage employees take loans against their 401(k) savings?

Yes, Public Storage allows employees to take loans against their 401(k) savings, subject to certain conditions and limits.

What happens to my 401(k) account if I leave Public Storage?

If you leave Public Storage, you can choose to roll over your 401(k) balance to another retirement account, cash out your account, or leave it in the Public Storage plan if you meet the minimum balance requirement.

Are there any fees associated with the Public Storage 401(k) plan?

Yes, there may be administrative fees and investment-related expenses associated with the Public Storage 401(k) plan, which are disclosed in the plan documents.

How often can Public Storage employees change their investment allocations within the 401(k) plan?

Public Storage employees can change their investment allocations at any time, subject to the plan's trading restrictions.

With the current political climate we are in it is important to keep up with current news and remain knowledgeable about your benefits.

401(k) plan with company match, discretionary profit sharing, stock purchase plan.

Public Storage provides RSUs to its executives and key employees. RSUs typically vest over a period of three years, promoting retention and alignment with company goals.