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Considering a Move to Florida: A Surprise for Gilead Sciences Employees

Healthcare Provider Update: Healthcare Provider for Gilead Sciences Gilead Sciences, a leading biopharmaceutical company known for its innovative therapies, typically partners with various healthcare providers and networks to facilitate patient access to its medicines. Specific details about Gilead's healthcare providers can vary by region and therapeutic area, but they often collaborate with hospitals, specialty clinics, pharmacies, and physicians nationwide to ensure effective treatment and management of diseases, particularly in areas like HIV, oncology, and liver diseases. Potential Healthcare Cost Increases in 2026 In 2026, healthcare costs are anticipated to rise significantly due to a combination of factors affecting the Affordable Care Act (ACA) marketplace. With some states projecting premium increases of over 60%, the expiration of enhanced federal subsidies could lead to over 22 million enrollees experiencing out-of-pocket premium spikes exceeding 75%. Contributing to these increases are escalating medical costs driven by inflation, higher utilization of healthcare services, and record profitability reported by major insurers, which are amplifying price pressures on consumers seeking affordable healthcare solutions. Click here to learn more

'Gilead Sciences employees considering a move to Florida should carefully weigh the state's tax advantages against the rising costs of property taxes, insurance premiums, and condo assessments, as these hidden expenses may significantly impact their financial plans.' – Paul Bergeron, a representative of The Retirement Group, a division of Wealth Enhancement Group.

'Gilead Sciences employees looking to relocate to Florida must account for the substantial rise in property taxes, insurance premiums, and condo assessments, as these financial factors could diminish the state's otherwise appealing tax benefits.'– Tyson Mavar, a representative of The Retirement Group, a division of Wealth Enhancement Group.

In this article, we will discuss:

The rising costs of property taxes, insurance premiums, and condo assessments in Florida.
The impact of Florida's new condo assessment laws and their financial implications for potential residents.
The hidden financial challenges faced by new Florida residents, particularly regarding HOA dues and rising housing prices.

Florida has become a popular destination for affluent individuals seeking a relaxed lifestyle and beneficial tax laws in recent years. Due to the Sunshine State's exemption from state and inheritance taxes, a large number of wealthy individuals, including reality TV star Bethenny Frankel and business mogul Jeff Bezos, have relocated there. However, many have faced unexpected financial hurdles, particularly with insurance premiums, property taxes, and condo assessments.

Property taxes are a significant and often unforeseen expense for homeowners, especially in South Florida. Henry Silva, a wealth management advisor at Apollon Wealth Management in Miami, states that Florida's property taxes have increased by an astounding 47.5% between 2019 and 2024. Even homeowners who have owned their properties for decades are feeling the impact of these tax hikes. The state legislature is looking into alternative options, although Governor Ron DeSantis has proposed the complete elimination of property taxes.

In addition to rising property taxes, Florida has some of the highest home insurance rates in the nation. According to Bankrate, the average annual premium for home insurance for a $300,000 home is $2,329 nationwide, but in Florida, it's $5,409. Homeowners must also obtain flood insurance, as many homes in the most desirable neighborhoods, particularly in South Florida, are in flood zones. For some, their insurance and property tax bills are even higher than their mortgage payments. This situation is worsened by Florida's highest-in-the-nation auto insurance rates.

The impacts of climate change have made Florida’s insurance market more challenging to navigate. Homeowners now have fewer options as insurance companies have pulled out of the state’s most disaster-prone areas due to natural disasters, particularly hurricanes. Florida has become a focal point of a housing insurance crisis, with insurers leaving and premiums rising as the likelihood of extreme weather events increases.

Condo owners in Florida have also been grappling with rising expenses in recent years. Following the tragic Surfside condo collapse in 2021, which claimed 98 lives, condo associations are now required by law to conduct a structural integrity reserve analysis for buildings older than 30 years. These assessments determine whether buildings are structurally sound, and condo associations must set aside funds for future repairs. Consequently, condo owners have faced unexpected charges for these assessments, often running into tens of thousands of dollars.

Homeowners association (HOA) dues have also risen. In hurricane-prone areas where infrastructure is vital to surviving natural disasters, HOA fees have surged. According to a Redfin analysis from August 2024, Tampa's median monthly HOA cost rose 17.2% year-over-year, while the national average increased by just 5.7%. Miami now has the highest median monthly HOA dues of any of the 43 metro regions Redfin studied, with Orlando and Fort Lauderdale seeing similar increases.

The influx of rising costs has led to a glut of unsold condos, further compounded by historically high housing prices and increasing mortgage interest rates. Many of these condos remain vacant because prospective buyers are deterred by the steep HOA fees and escalating property taxes.

For potential Florida residents, the process has become even more complicated by new condo assessment laws. Many buyers are unaware of these laws until they are in the process of purchasing a property, only to find themselves facing assessments that can sometimes reach six figures. This has caused many people to reconsider their plans or adjust them.

Despite Florida’s appeal as a tax-friendly refuge, the financial realities of living in the state are more complex than many anticipated. Silva emphasizes that moving to Florida should be based on more than just tax benefits. While the state offers pleasant weather and no income or inheritance taxes, rising costs related to real estate and insurance are significant considerations that should not be overlooked.

In conclusion, anyone considering a move to Florida should carefully evaluate all expenses, including property taxes, insurance premiums, condo assessments, and HOA dues. Florida's tax advantages may not be as substantial as expected, and the rising costs of living could offset the benefits. Prospective residents should enter their relocation with a clear understanding of the true costs to circumvent financial surprises.

For Gilead Sciences employees thinking of relocating to Florida, it’s important to also understand how the state’s laws may affect your estate planning. While the absence of a state income tax is enticing, many retirees with substantial assets may find that Florida’s higher probate fees, compared to states with income taxes, can result in higher costs. According to a 2023 report by the National Estate Planning Council, the estate distribution process can be significantly affected by these higher fees.

Are you thinking of relocating to Florida? Many new residents are surprised by the financial challenges they face, even though the state doesn’t impose income or estate taxes. Florida boasts some of the highest home and auto insurance rates in the country, property taxes have risen by 47.5% between 2019 and 2024, HOA dues are increasing, and condo owners face unexpected building upkeep costs. As mortgage rates and housing prices continue to climb, prospective residents must take the time to thoroughly examine all the hidden expenses involved before making the move.

Relocating to Florida for retirement is similar to buying a brand-new car and expecting low maintenance costs, only to find the insurance, repairs, and upkeep are significantly more expensive than anticipated. Many new Florida residents, like Gilead Sciences employees, are taken aback by the high property taxes, exorbitant insurance premiums, and unexpected condo assessments, despite the state’s no-income-tax benefits. These hidden costs have the potential to overshadow Florida’s initial appeal, much like the unexpected maintenance costs of a car that can pile up over time.

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Sources:

1. 'The Rich Flocked to Florida. Then Property Taxes and Condo Assessments Hit.' Yahoo Finance , 15 May 2025, www.yahoo.com . Accessed 19 May 2025.

2. 'Home Insurance Rates by State for 2025.' Bankrate , May 2025, www.bankrate.com . Accessed 19 May 2025.

3. Katz, Lily, Sheharyar Bokhari, and Grishma Bhattarai. 'Condo HOA Fees Surge in Florida Amid Insurance Crisis.' Redfin , 22 Aug. 2024, www.redfin.com . Accessed 19 May 2025.

4. 'Florida's New Condo Laws Recognize the Total Price of Living on the Coast.' University of Florida News , Oct. 2024, www.ufnews.com . Accessed 19 May 2025.

5. 'How Eliminating Property Taxes Could Impact Florida Homeowners.' U.S. News & World Report , Apr. 2025, www.usnews.com . Accessed 19 May 2025.

How does Gilead's approach to employee benefits evolve to ensure comprehensive health coverage for full-time and part-time employees, and how do these benefits align with industry standards? Additionally, considering the competitive landscape, what specific initiatives does Gilead undertake to maintain and enhance its health benefits offering?

Gilead ensures comprehensive health coverage for both full-time and part-time employees by offering competitive medical, dental, and vision plans. Full-time employees, as well as part-time employees working at least 30 hours a week, are eligible for a range of health benefits, including coverage for spouses, domestic partners, and dependent children. This benefits package includes life and disability insurance, health savings accounts, and wellness services such as biometric screenings and fitness reimbursements, aligning with industry standards(Gilead_2016_Company_Peo…).

In what ways does Gilead's professional development program contribute to the personal and career growth of its employees? How does Gilead gauge the effectiveness of these development initiatives, and what feedback mechanisms are in place to continually improve the offerings?

Gilead’s professional development program contributes to employees' personal and career growth through extensive training opportunities, leadership development programs, and an MBA program in partnership with Golden Gate University. Gilead monitors the effectiveness of these initiatives through completion metrics, feedback surveys, and by tracking career progression. A continuous feedback loop ensures that employee development programs evolve based on participants’ experiences and business needs(Gilead_2016_Company_Peo…).

Gilead emphasizes a pay-for-performance model in its compensation structure. How does this model operate in practice, and in what ways are performance metrics tied to employee compensation at Gilead? Moreover, how does the company ensure transparency and fairness in its pay practices?

Gilead operates a pay-for-performance model, where employee compensation is directly tied to individual performance evaluations and business results. Regular reviews ensure that compensation remains fair and competitive, with transparency maintained through structured performance assessments. Gilead promotes pay equity, regularly reviewing compensation practices to ensure fairness and alignment with market conditions(Gilead_2016_Company_Peo…).

Given the unique challenges associated with employee parental leave, how does Gilead support employees who are navigating this transition? Furthermore, how are Gilead's policies aligned with or surpassing industry standards regarding parental leave and adoption benefits?

Gilead supports employees during parental leave transitions by offering 12 weeks of paid leave for new parents in the U.S., along with adoption benefits and reimbursements of up to $5,000. This benefit, extended to both U.S. and international employees, ensures legislative compliance and alignment with market standards, often surpassing industry norms(Gilead_2016_Company_Peo…).

With the increasing importance of mental health support in the workplace, how does Gilead's Employee Assistance Program (EAP) address the diverse wellness needs of its employees? In what ways does Gilead promote the utilization of these services to ensure engagement and effectiveness?

Gilead’s Employee Assistance Program (EAP) addresses a broad range of wellness needs, including mental health support, counseling, and legal or financial assistance. The company promotes these services through internal communications and wellness campaigns, ensuring employees are aware of and engage with these offerings, which are designed to provide confidential and comprehensive support(Gilead_2016_Company_Peo…).

How does Gilead foster an inclusive work environment that values diversity? What specific programs and initiatives are in place to promote inclusion, and how does Gilead measure the success of these diversity initiatives?

Gilead fosters an inclusive work environment through Employee Resource Groups (ERGs) and diversity initiatives aimed at professional development and community engagement. The company measures the success of its inclusion efforts through employee feedback, participation in diversity programs, and performance management processes that now include “inclusion” as a core value(Gilead_2016_Company_Peo…).

Considering Gilead's Employee Stock Purchase Program (ESPP), how do the company's policies encourage employee investment in Gilead? What benefits do employees gain from participating in the ESPP, and how does it contribute to their overall financial well-being?

Gilead’s Employee Stock Purchase Program (ESPP) encourages investment by offering U.S. employees the ability to contribute 1-15% of their pay to purchase Gilead stock at a 15% discount. This program helps employees build financial security and aligns their interests with the company's success, contributing to overall financial well-being(Gilead_2016_Company_Peo…).

What role does volunteerism play within Gilead's corporate culture, and how does the company facilitate employee engagement in community service initiatives? Additionally, how does participation in these programs impact employee satisfaction and retention rates?

Volunteerism is integral to Gilead’s corporate culture, with the company supporting employee involvement in community service through its Gilead Volunteer Community. These activities align with Gilead’s mission and values, and participation positively impacts employee satisfaction and retention by fostering a sense of purpose and community engagement(Gilead_2016_Company_Peo…).

How does Gilead ensure that its benefits package remains competitive within the biotechnology industry? What strategies does Gilead employ to regularly assess and enhance its offerings to meet the evolving needs of its workforce?

Gilead ensures its benefits package remains competitive by regularly reviewing and benchmarking against industry standards. The company adjusts offerings to meet evolving employee needs, particularly in areas like health and wellness, retirement plans, and work-life balance, ensuring that its benefits are both market-competitive and supportive of long-term employee well-being(Gilead_2016_Company_Peo…).

For employees seeking more information about Gilead's benefits and retirement options, what are the best channels to contact Gilead? How does Gilead ensure that employees have access to clear and timely information regarding their benefits, and what resources are available to assist them during the retirement process?

Employees seeking more information about Gilead’s benefits and retirement options can access resources through the company’s HR portals, internal communication channels, or by contacting HR directly. Gilead provides clear, timely information and offers comprehensive resources such as retirement planning consultations and financial wellness programs to assist employees during the retirement process(Gilead_2016_Company_Peo…).

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

Name of Pension Plan: Gilead Sciences does not appear to have a traditional defined benefit pension plan as of the latest information for 2022, 2023, and 2024. Instead, the company emphasizes its 401(k) plan as a primary retirement benefit. Pension Formula and Qualification: Since there is no traditional defined benefit pension plan, there are no specific formulas or age/service qualifications related to a pension plan. Name of 401(k) Plan: Gilead Sciences 401(k) Plan 401(k) Plan Eligibility: Employees are eligible to participate in the Gilead Sciences 401(k) Plan upon meeting certain criteria, including a minimum period of employment which is typically 30 days. Contribution Details: Gilead Sciences offers a matching contribution to the 401(k) Plan, with the company matching a percentage of employee contributions up to a specific limit.

Restructuring and Layoffs: In 2023, Gilead Sciences announced a significant restructuring plan aimed at optimizing its operational efficiency. This included a reduction of approximately 5% of its workforce. The company stated that these changes were part of a broader strategy to streamline operations and better position itself for long-term growth amidst evolving market conditions. Source: Business Insider. Importance: Given the current economic volatility and changes in the investment landscape, understanding these developments is crucial for stakeholders to assess the impact on company performance and stability. The restructuring is also relevant due to its potential effects on employee benefits and overall corporate strategy.

Gilead Sciences Stock Options and RSUs Stock Options and RSUs Overview: Gilead Sciences has offered stock options and Restricted Stock Units (RSUs) as part of its compensation package. For Gilead Sciences, stock options are typically granted to executives and key employees based on individual performance and company goals. RSUs at Gilead Sciences are generally awarded to a broader range of employees, including those in key roles, to align their interests with shareholder value.

1. Company Official Website Gilead Sciences Official Website: Gilead Sciences Benefits Summary: Gilead Sciences offers a comprehensive benefits package including medical, dental, and vision coverage. They provide options for both HMO and PPO plans, and there are additional wellness programs and resources for employees. 2. Glassdoor Gilead Sciences on Glassdoor: Glassdoor - Gilead Sciences Benefits Summary: Employees on Glassdoor report strong health benefits including generous health insurance coverage, wellness programs, and an Employee Assistance Program (EAP). The company also offers flexible spending accounts (FSAs) and health savings accounts (HSAs). 3. Indeed Gilead Sciences on Indeed: Indeed - Gilead Sciences Benefits Summary: Indeed highlights that Gilead Sciences provides extensive healthcare benefits including medical, dental, and vision insurance, with coverage options for family members. Employees appreciate the company's focus on health and wellness. 4. Employee Benefits News Employee Benefits News - Gilead Sciences: Employee Benefits News Summary: Recent news indicates that Gilead Sciences has been updating its benefits packages to include more mental health support and telemedicine services. They are also expanding their wellness programs to address holistic health needs. 5. HR Dive HR Dive - Gilead Sciences Benefits: HR Dive Summary: HR Dive reports that Gilead Sciences has introduced new benefits in response to the evolving healthcare landscape. This includes enhanced telehealth options and increased coverage for mental health services.

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For more information you can reach the plan administrator for Gilead Sciences at , ; or by calling them at .

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