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

Understanding Risk Tolerance: A Guide for Encompass Health Employees Navigating Retirement Changes

Healthcare Provider Update: Healthcare Provider for Encompass Health Encompass Health Corporation operates as a leader in post-acute healthcare services, particularly offering rehabilitation services through a network of inpatient rehabilitation hospitals, outpatient rehabilitation clinics, and home health agencies. Their integrated care model emphasizes rehabilitation for patients recovering from illness or injury, including stroke recovery, brain injury rehabilitation, and orthopedic recovery. Potential Healthcare Cost Increases in 2026 In 2026, healthcare costs are anticipated to rise significantly, particularly for those enrolled in Affordable Care Act (ACA) marketplace plans. Factors such as the potential expiration of enhanced federal premium subsidies and escalating medical costs could result in premium hikes of over 60% in some states. Reports indicate that nearly 92% of ACA enrollees may face out-of-pocket premium increases exceeding 75%, driven by high utilization of medical services and significant drug costs. Consequently, consumers will need to navigate these changes carefully to manage their healthcare expenses effectively. Click here to learn more

The world of investing is very subjective--the investment plan that’s right for you depends largely upon the level of comfort that you have when it comes to risk. We'd like our clients from Encompass Health to remember that you can’t completely avoid risk when it comes to investing, but it's possible for you to manage it.

There are two aspects of risk tolerance for Encompass Health employees to consider: (1) the capacity of your investment plan itself to absorb losses, and (2) how comfortable you are personally with risk. The first aspect can be quantified--the more flexibility your investment plan has when it comes to potential loss, the more risk your plan can tolerate. For example, as we’ve discussed, a long investment time horizon may allow you to take on more risk than a short time horizon.

'You can’t completely avoid risk when it comes to investing, but it is possible for you to manage it..'

The second aspect, how comfortable you are personally with risk, is more of an emotional measure, and depends on many factors, including your objectives, life stage, personality, and investment experience. Some investors are comfortable with a high degree of risk, while others can tolerate only minimal risk. Individual risk tolerance is an important factor for Encompass Health employees in deciding which individual investments are appropriate for them, as well as how their investment dollars should be allocated among different investment classes.

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Investors are typically grouped into three categories for purposes of discussing risk tolerance: aggressive (those who have a high degree of risk tolerance); moderate (those willing to accept some degree of risk), and conservative (those who are risk averse).

What is the 401(k) plan offered by Encompass Health?

The 401(k) plan offered by Encompass Health is a retirement savings plan that allows employees to save a portion of their salary on a tax-deferred basis.

Does Encompass Health offer a matching contribution for the 401(k) plan?

Yes, Encompass Health offers a matching contribution to help employees maximize their retirement savings.

How can employees enroll in the Encompass Health 401(k) plan?

Employees can enroll in the Encompass Health 401(k) plan through the company's benefits portal during the enrollment period or after they become eligible.

What are the eligibility requirements for the Encompass Health 401(k) plan?

To be eligible for the Encompass Health 401(k) plan, employees typically need to meet certain criteria, such as completing a specified period of service.

Can employees make changes to their contributions in the Encompass Health 401(k) plan?

Yes, employees can make changes to their contribution amounts in the Encompass Health 401(k) plan at any time, subject to plan rules.

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

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

When can employees start withdrawing funds from their Encompass Health 401(k) plan?

Employees can start withdrawing funds from their Encompass Health 401(k) plan upon reaching the age of 59½, or under certain circumstances such as financial hardship.

Are there penalties for early withdrawal from the Encompass Health 401(k) plan?

Yes, there are typically penalties for early withdrawal from the Encompass Health 401(k) plan unless specific exceptions apply, such as disability or financial hardship.

What happens to an employee's Encompass Health 401(k) plan if they leave the company?

If an employee leaves Encompass Health, they can roll over their 401(k) balance into another retirement account, cash out, or leave the funds in the plan if allowed.

How often does Encompass Health provide statements for the 401(k) plan?

Encompass Health provides regular statements for the 401(k) plan, typically on a quarterly basis, detailing account balances and investment performance.

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

Encompass Health offers a comprehensive benefits package that includes both a 401(k) plan and other retirement options. In 2022, 2023, and 2024, Encompass Health continued to provide the Encompass Health Retirement Investment Plan, which allows employees to contribute up to 100% of their pay on a pre-tax basis, subject to IRS limits. The company matches 50% of the first 6% of employee contributions to the 401(k). There is also a Roth option available for those preferring post-tax contributions. Employees aged 50 or older are eligible for additional catch-up contributions (Encompass Health). In terms of eligibility for the 401(k) plan, all full-time and part-time benefit-eligible employees of Encompass Health can participate. The plan is administered by Charles Schwab Investments and offers a variety of mutual funds for investment. This is an employer-sponsored defined contribution plan (Encompass Health) (Encompass Health). Encompass Health employees also have access to an Employee Stock Purchase Plan (ESPP), which allows them to purchase company stock at discounted rates through payroll deductions. Although this is a voluntary program, it provides a supplementary method for employees to invest in the company

Restructuring and Layoffs: Encompass Health has recently undergone significant restructuring aimed at streamlining operations and reducing costs. In 2023, the company announced a series of layoffs affecting several departments to align with its strategic goals. This move is part of a broader trend in the healthcare sector to enhance operational efficiency amid economic pressures and rising costs. Importance: Given the current economic and investment climate, understanding these changes is crucial. The healthcare industry is adapting to economic uncertainties, and such restructuring efforts can have widespread impacts on employees and the overall market. Additionally, changes in company operations can influence investment decisions and tax implications.

Encompass Health offers stock options and RSUs to executives and key employees as part of their compensation package. These benefits are designed to align employee interests with the company's performance. Stock options allow employees to buy shares at a set price, while RSUs provide shares after certain conditions are met.

Encompass Health Careers: Check the company’s official careers page for specific details on health benefits. Encompass Health Benefits Information: Look for detailed benefits descriptions, plan options, and any recent updates in their employee benefits section. Glassdoor: Review employee reviews for insights on health benefits and any recent changes or updates. Indeed: Explore employee reviews and salary data, focusing on health benefits. LinkedIn: Look at company updates and posts that may include information on health benefits. Business Insider: Search for any articles related to employee benefits at Encompass Health. HR News Sites: Check specialized HR and benefits news websites for articles or reports on Encompass Health's employee health benefits. Healthcare-Related Terms and Acronyms: Health Savings Account (HSA): A tax-advantaged savings account used to pay for qualified medical expenses. Flexible Spending Account (FSA): An account that allows employees to use pre-tax dollars for eligible healthcare expenses. Co-Pay: A fixed amount paid by the insured for covered services. Deductible: The amount an employee pays out-of-pocket before insurance coverage begins. Premium: The amount paid for insurance coverage, typically monthly. Out-of-Pocket Maximum: The maximum amount an employee has to pay for covered services in a plan year.

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For more information you can reach the plan administrator for Encompass Health at 9001 Liberty Parkway Birmingham, AL 35242; or by calling them at (205) 967-7116.