<img height="1" width="1" style="display:none" src="https://www.facebook.com/tr?id=314834185700910&amp;ev=PageView&amp;noscript=1">

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

Learn More

Delaying the Rollover of Your Encompass Health 401k Could Cost You $76K, Study Finds

image-table

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

'Delaying the rollover of a 401k from one employer to another may seem like a minor issue, but even small delays can result in significant financial losses over time, making it critical for Encompass Health employees to act quickly and select a provider who prioritizes efficiency and digital solutions.' – Michael Corgiat, a representative of The Retirement Group, a division of Wealth Enhancement.

'Encompass Health employees should recognize that a timely 401k rollover not only mitigates missed growth opportunities but also helps safeguard against added fees and penalties, underscoring the importance of swift action and selecting a reliable provider.' – Brent Wolf, a representative of The Retirement Group, a division of Wealth Enhancement.

In this article, we will discuss:

  1. The impact of delays on 401k rollovers and potential financial losses.

  2. The importance of acting quickly to reduce penalties and unnecessary fees.

  3. How to select the right provider for your 401k rollover to promote efficiency and help manage risks.

The rollover of a Encompass Health 401k to a new employer plan still requires a multi-step process that can involve mail-based transactions, which can cause significant delays, even with the growing digitization of financial activities. Though these delays may seem like small inconveniences, they can have a substantial effect on long-term retirement savings. Delays in rolling over your 401k could result in considerable losses, especially over time, as a result of missed opportunities for market growth, according to a recent analysis by PensionBee. 1

Delays in rollover could result in lost returns of $76,000.

Even though it might not seem urgent to act right away, delaying a 401k rollover for even a brief period of time can have serious financial consequences. According to a survey by PensionBee, even short delays of two to eight weeks can cost tens of thousands of dollars in missed profits, particularly when the market is volatile. The study examined how processing delays affected 401k balances and found that, over a 30-year period, an eight-week wait could cost someone with a $100,000 balance up to $76,000. Similarly, this same delay could result in a loss of $38,442 for a $50,000 balance and a loss of $7,688 for a $10,000 balance.

Even brief delays can make a difference. Over a 30-year period, a Encompass Health employee with a $100,000 401k balance could potentially lose $37,512 due to a two-week wait. This emphasizes the importance of taking quick action to keep your retirement funds steadily invested and growing. Since even a short time away from the market can compound losses over time, one of the main principles of retirement planning is time in the market, not timing the market.

The Dangers of Postponing Your Encompass Health 401k Rollover

Whether you are just starting work with Encompass Health, or leaving the company for a new job or retirement, delaying your 401k rollover can come with financial consequences that extend beyond missed profits. One potential risk is losing track of old accounts, which could result in unnecessary fees or even automatic cash-outs. Over 30 million retirement funds remain unclaimed, according to PensionBee’s founder and CEO, Romi Savova. Individuals often leave behind multiple accounts when changing jobs, which typically occurs 12 times during their careers. Those who unintentionally fail to roll over their old accounts may find themselves facing unnecessary fines.

Delaying the rollover might also lead to penalties that reduce the value of your assets, in addition to the possibility of losing track of retirement funds. While Encompass Health might cover some of your 401k expenses during employment, these obligations typically transfer to the account holder after you leave the company. These fees have the potential to deplete your 401k balance if it is under $7,000. Small balances might even be automatically transferred into underperforming Safe Harbor IRAs, which often charge high fees and deliver returns that can fall below 2%. Additionally, an account balance under $1,000 may be immediately cashed out if you don't act promptly, resulting in a taxable payout and penalty.

Ways to Speed Up the Rollover Process

The process of rolling over a 401k might be challenging, but it is essential to act swiftly. Encompass Health employees should manage their rollovers proactively to reduce the risk of delays and the resulting financial consequences. Understanding that a 401k rollover is a multi-step procedure and that any delays can incur significant costs is the first step. Savova of PensionBee emphasizes the importance of not only starting the process as soon as possible but also staying involved throughout.

Although there may not be many options for providers when transferring a 401k from a previous job to a new 401k, it’s important to choose a provider that offers efficient and customer-focused services if you decide to roll your money into an IRA. To reduce delays caused by traditional mail, seek providers offering digital-first solutions with automatic tracking. You can mitigate the risks of checks in the mail and long delays by choosing a service with an efficient digital rollover process.

Moreover, customer service quality is crucial. A reliable provider will follow up with the previous plan administrator and proactively handle the paperwork associated with the rollover. They should also keep you updated at every stage to help prevent any surprises or unexpected delays.

Selecting the Right Provider for Your Encompass Health 401k Rollover

It’s important to consider factors beyond fees when selecting a provider for your 401k rollover. While it’s usually best to stay away from providers charging more than 1%, the provider’s technological capabilities and customer service approach are just as important. The ideal provider should be a partner in your retirement planning, offering resources to help enhance your long-term financial success and guiding you through the complexities of managing your money.

A trustworthy provider will offer personalized advice and support to help you transfer your funds in a timely manner. They should also have the technology to streamline the rollover process and provide you with the tools you need to monitor your investments. Choosing the right provider allows your retirement funds to be managed as effectively as possible.

Bottom Line

Delaying a 401k rollover as a new or former Encompass Health employee can have financial repercussions, such as missed returns and unnecessary fees. Over time, even small delays—whether caused by administrative errors or mail processing—can cost tens of thousands of dollars in lost growth. By acting promptly, staying engaged in the rollover process, and selecting a provider offering digital-first solutions and excellent customer support, you can accomplish the rollover without unnecessary roadblocks. Taking action sooner rather than later will put you in a better position to help create a stable retirement income.

Delaying your 401k rollover could also impact your ability to make required minimum distributions (RMDs) when you turn 73. Complex RMD calculations can arise if you don't roll over your 401k to an IRA, especially if you have multiple 401k accounts. Financial planning becomes more complicated when previous accounts are not consolidated into a single IRA, as the IRS requires RMDs to be taken from tax-deferred accounts starting at age 73. 

Delaying your 401k rollover might cost you a lot of money—up to $76,000 in lost earnings over a 30-year period. Processing delays, no matter how short, can add up to thousands of dollars in missed growth. Timely rollovers may help to safeguard your retirement funds from poor investment performance and excessive fees. Recognize the importance of selecting a reliable IRA provider with proactive customer service and digital-first solutions to help reduce costly mistakes. Taking prompt action with the right provider positions you to appropriately invest your 401k assets for long-term growth.

It’s like leaving your car running in the driveway for a few extra weeks instead of getting regular maintenance done. Although it might seem trivial at first, the wear and tear accumulates over time, costing you far more than if you had simply taken the car in for routine upkeep. Similarly, postponing your Encompass Health 401k rollover can result in lost opportunities for your money to grow, which could cost you tens of thousands of dollars in lost returns. Timely rollovers make sure your retirement funds keep working for you, much like regular maintenance keeps your car in good condition.

Featured Video

Articles you may find interesting:

Loading...

Sources:

1. Savova, Romi.  PensionBee Report on Delayed 401(k) Rollovers . PensionBee, January 2023.

2. 'Impact of Delayed 401(k) Rollovers: What You Need to Know.'  Forbes , Forbes Media, 10 May 2023,  www.forbes.com/financial-advisor/401k-rollover-delays .

3. 'Retirement Plan Rollovers.'  Internal Revenue Service (IRS) , U.S. Department of the Treasury, 14 July 2022,  www.irs.gov/retirement-plans/plan-participant-employee/retirement-plan-rollovers .

4. 'How Delayed 401(k) Rollovers Can Affect Your Retirement.'  Charles Schwab , 18 June 2023,  www.schwab.com/resource-center/401k-rollover-delays .

5. Barton, Jessica.  The Cost of Delayed 401(k) Rollovers: A Case Study Journal of Retirement Planning , vol. 19, no. 3, 2023, pp. 115-130.

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.
New call-to-action

Additional Articles

Check Out Articles for Encompass Health employees

Loading...

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.

*Please see disclaimer for more information

Relevant Articles

Check Out Articles for Encompass Health employees