Recent Aetna Retirees May Find Remote Work with Large Bonuses as Companies Attempt to Fill Labor Shortages

Healthcare Provider Update: Healthcare Provider Information for Aetna Aetna, part of the CVS Health family, has been a key player in the Affordable Care Act (ACA) marketplace, providing health insurance plans to individuals and families. However, significant changes are on the horizon for 2026, as Aetna will exit the ACA marketplace in 17 states, impacting approximately 1 million members. This withdrawal is attributed to the company's challenges in maintaining competitiveness and providing value in a rapidly evolving healthcare landscape. Potential Healthcare Cost Increases in 2026 As the healthcare landscape shifts, substantial premium hikes are anticipated for those enrolled in ACA marketplace plans, with projections of up to 75% increases in out-of-pocket costs due to the potential loss of enhanced federal subsidies. In some states, insurers have filed for rate increases exceeding 60%, driven by surging medical costs and the expiration of premium tax credits established under the American Rescue Plan. For Aetna's former members, this change further complicates their healthcare landscape as they seek new insurance options amid heightened financial pressures. Click here to learn more

'These incentives are necessary as Aetna companies adjust their hiring to reflect recent market shifts,' says Wesley Boudreaux, of The Retirement Group, a division of Wealth Enhancement Group. Exploring those options gives those looking to advance a competitive advantage, 'she said.

• Increased relocation bonuses and flexible work are two trends that Aetna employees, especially those approaching retirement, should consider, says Patrick Ray of The Retirement Group, a division of Wealth Enhancement Group. 'This shift reflects changing career landscapes as well as long-term financial planning and lifestyle flexibility.'

• In this article we will discuss:

  • 1. Incentives for hiring - how they're changing recruitment strategies.

  • 2. Key industries and professions where demand is skyrocketing, and incentives associated with them.

  • 3. Locations across the United States that are offering big relocation bonuses to workers.

Recently, the modern job market has seen major shifts, driven largely by the worldwide pandemic and the Great Resignation. As labor demands skyrocket, employers are offering incentives and relocation bonuses to lure workers in. Explore new trends in hiring incentives, industries changing dramatically, and locations offering relocation bonuses. Whether you're an aspiring remote worker, a seasoned professional looking for a change of pace or a retiree interested in new opportunities - there are plenty of 'vacancies' around the United States.

Hiring Incentives are Increasing.

In response to the Great Resignation, companies, especially Aetna, are reviewing their recruitment strategies. An example is the explosion of hiring incentives that go beyond the traditional paycheck. Such searches for hiring incentives more than doubled in the first half of the year, indeed data show. The labor shortage affects many industries, so companies offer perks and financial bonuses to lure workers in.

In-Demand Industries and Professions

Though labor shortage affects all positions, some industries and professions stand out because of their immediate demand and big incentives:

• Healthcare:

• The pandemonium has highlighted a need for health workers, and hospitals and labs are offering big signup bonuses. Registered nurses at Penn State Health in central Pennsylvania get a USD 20,000 bonus plus higher pay and more paid time off. Other positions for medical lab scientists include USD 10,000 for positions in Newark and Wilmington, Delaware, offered by ChristianaCare.

• Remote Work:

• The remote work revolution has allowed workers to pick their home base, and cities and states are offering bonuses to remote workers. Locations like St. Clair County, Michigan; Topeka, Kansas; and some in Northwest Arkansas are offering free swag and co-working office spaces to lure remote workers.

• Other In-Demand Positions:

• Beyond healthcare and remote work, fast food, electricians, delivery drivers, lifeguards, police officers and 911 dispatchers all have a labor shortage that is driving larger and more common sign-on bonuses.

Promising Locations for Relocation

Some states and smaller cities want new residents and workers. These locations offer big relocation bonuses & incentives for job seekers & remote workers:

• St. Clair County, Michigan:

• It is recruiting college graduates in STEAM-related fields and offering relocation bonuses of up to USD 15,000 to attract young professionals to its region.

• Topeka, Kansas: Topeka gives up to USD 10,000 in relocation bonuses for those moving there and additional incentives for homeowners. The program requires the employer to be outside Topeka's county.

• Northwest Arkansas:

• A council of businesses and philanthropists lures remote workers to the region from another state with a USD 10,000 cash bonus and a free bicycle or annual membership to a local art or cultural institution.

• Newton, Iowa:

• This town would like to grow and gives USD 10,000 to anyone who buys a home there for at least USD 190,000.

Duration and Requirements

Some locations require certain durations and requirements for the relocation bonuses, though they sound appealing. For example, the Shoals area of Northern Alabama gives up to USD 10,000 for a one-year stay, and West Virginia gives up to USD 2,000 if the person stays for a second year. Similarly, the USD 10,000 award-winning Tulsa Remote in Oklahoma provides free co-working spaces, apartments, and lunch lectures to help participants settle in.

This dynamic job market creates numerous new career paths for job seekers and retirees alike. With relocation bonus programs and increased hiring incentives, remote workers may want to switch careers or relocate. Highly-demanded industries like healthcare and remote work offer huge sign-on bonuses to attract top talent. Explore the tempting relocation bonuses offered by different locations to begin a new career or retirement in dynamic communities across the United States.

AARP found that remote work can provide significant health benefits for Aetna retirees and workers nearing retirement age. The 2022 study found remote workers reported lower stress, better work-life balance, and higher job satisfaction. Also, remote work allowed retirees to find part-time work and remain employed - improving cognitive abilities and social connections. And with locations like Northwest Arkansas offering bonuses that would draw remote workers, it might also improve the financial condition of the 60-year-old target audience.

Imagine this article as a treasure map to great opportunities! You are searching for the perfect place to anchor your career or retirement - like many Aetna workers nearing retirement. Map shows gems throughout the United States where remote workers can earn bonuses of up to USD 10,000. Such gleaming spots welcome you with incentives like a new beginning and a new community. So like skilled sailors navigate unfamiliar waters, you can chart a course toward healthcare, remote work, or other hot industries. Start this journey and discover all the relocation bonuses and job incentives available to the seasoned adventurer in you.

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Sources:

1. Terrell, Kenneth. 'Remote Work Helps Older Adults With Disabilities Get Work.' AARP, 22 Oct. 2024,  www.aarp.org/work/careers/remote-work-helps-adults-with-disabilities/ .

2. 'Living, Learning, and Earning Longer.' AARP International,  www.aarpinternational.org . Accessed 24 Feb. 2025.

3. 'Implications of Remote Work on Employee Well-Being and Health.' Frontiers in Psychology, 2021,  www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fpsyg.2021.631112/full . Accessed 24 Feb. 2025.

4. 'Improving Economic Opportunity for Older Workers.' The Brookings Institution,  www.brookings.edu/events/improving-economic-opportunity-for-older-workers/ . Accessed 24 Feb. 2025.

5. 'The Business Case for Remote Work.' Global Workplace Analytics,  www.globalworkplaceanalytics.com/whitepapers . Accessed 24 Feb. 2025.