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

Are Option Care Health Employees Consistently Making These 401(k) Mistakes?

Healthcare Provider Update: Offers comprehensive medical, dental, and vision benefits to employees working 30+ hours/week, with HSA contributions up to $1,000 annually 1. As ACA premiums rise and subsidies expire, Option Cares employer-sponsored plans and HSA support offer a more affordable and tax-advantaged alternative to marketplace coverage. Click here to learn more

This paper is for Option Care Health employees who will have to know the basics of their 401(k) plans, including the role of the company's contributions and the way the assets are invested in order to understand the basics of the retirement planning process.'

'['Free' means that, as a Option Care Health employee, you can optimize your retirement savings and, thus, your future financial independence by frequently checking and changing your 401(k) contributions, as well as by consulting for a Roth 401(k)].

In this article, we will discuss:

1. How to increase your chances of retirement savings by taking advantage of employer contributions.

2. What are the conditions under which you own the company contributions? Do not miss the money! A simple guide to the basics of stock investing within your 401(k) plan.

3. It is not intended to be an exhaustive treatment of the subject, but rather a general introduction that will help you understand the basics and consider whether or not to participate.

In a time of increasing financial complexity, it is essential to know how to make the most out of your savings, especially when you are planning for your retirement. The 401k plan has been and will be one of the best ways to build wealth over the long term. However, as with any instrument, its effectiveness depends on the user’s understanding of its capabilities and potential risks.

Harnessing Matching Contributions:

Most of the Option Care Health companies provide for matching schemes under which they pay for a certain percentage of the amount an employee places into a 401k. On average, companies match 4.5% of employee contributions, as per Vanguard’s annual report. Although this percentage may not be very high, it can amount to a lot of money over the years. When you include the interest that is charged on the account, this can make for a good retirement portfolio.

Vesting Requirements - Patience Pays:

Vesting refers to the conditions under which an employee is entitled to the company contributions to a 401(k) plan. Two main types are:

Cliff Vesting: Contributions are fully vested at the end of the set period, which is usually three years.

Graded Vesting: The employer’s contributions become vested at 20% annually from the second year and at 100% by the end of the sixth year.

Thus, if you change jobs before your contributions become vested, you will deny yourself access to the money. So, it is important to know your company’s vesting policy.

The Risk of Company Stock:

While it may be tempting to invest in your company’s stock, it’s wise to limit such investments to 5-10% of your total 401(k) assets. This is because too much money is at risk in the event the company is not doing well.

The Dual-Edge of Stock Investments:

Equities, or stocks, shouldn’t be avoided entirely. Although they are risky, very conservative products may not perform well versus inflation, and, thus, reduce your buying power in the future. This is where balanced equity investments come in to help with this.

Sources:

Featured Video

Articles you may find interesting:

1. Internal Revenue Service (IRS). 'Matching Contributions Help You Save More for Retirement.' IRS, https://www.irs.gov/retirement-plans/matching-contributions-help-you-save-more-for-retirement . Accessed 17 Feb. 2025.

2. Internal Revenue Service (IRS). 'Retirement Topics - Vesting.' IRS, https://www.irs.gov/retirement-plans/plan-participant-employee/retirement-topics-vesting . Accessed 17 Feb. 2025.

3. Empower. 'What is 401(k) Matching & How Does It Work?' Empower, https://www.empower.com/the-currency/work/how-does-401k-matching-work . Accessed 17 Feb. 2025.

4 Investopedia. '401(k) Vesting Rules.' Investopedia, https://www.investopedia.com/401-k-vesting-rules-5323652 . Accessed 17 Feb. 2025.

5. National Council on Aging (NCOA). 'Leverage Employer Matching Contributions to Your 401(k).' NCOA, https://www.ncoa.org/article/matching-contributions-101-how-to-maximize-your-retirement-savings-now . Accessed 17 Feb. 2025.

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

The 401(k) plan at Option Care Health is a retirement savings plan that allows employees to save a portion of their paycheck before taxes are taken out.

How can employees enroll in the 401(k) plan at Option Care Health?

Employees can enroll in the Option Care Health 401(k) plan by completing the enrollment process through the company’s HR portal or by contacting the HR department for assistance.

Does Option Care Health offer a company match for the 401(k) contributions?

Yes, Option Care Health offers a company match for employee contributions to the 401(k) plan, which helps employees grow their retirement savings.

What is the vesting schedule for the company match at Option Care Health?

The vesting schedule for the company match at Option Care Health typically follows a graded vesting schedule, meaning employees earn rights to the company contributions over a period of time.

Can employees change their contribution percentage to the 401(k) plan at Option Care Health?

Yes, employees at Option Care Health can change their contribution percentage at any time, subject to the plan’s rules and limits.

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

The Option Care Health 401(k) plan offers a variety of investment options, including mutual funds, target-date funds, and other investment vehicles to suit different risk tolerances.

Is there a loan option available for the 401(k) plan at Option Care Health?

Yes, Option Care Health allows employees to take loans against their 401(k) balance under certain conditions, providing a way to access funds if needed.

What happens to my 401(k) account if I leave Option Care Health?

If you leave Option Care Health, you have several options for your 401(k) account, including rolling it over to a new employer’s plan, an IRA, or cashing it out, though cashing out may incur taxes and penalties.

How often can employees contribute to the 401(k) plan at Option Care Health?

Employees can contribute to the Option Care Health 401(k) plan with each paycheck, allowing for consistent savings throughout the year.

Are there any fees associated with the 401(k) plan at Option Care Health?

Yes, like most 401(k) plans, the Option Care Health 401(k) may have administrative fees and investment fees, which are disclosed in the plan documents.