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

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Western Midstream Partners Employees: Navigating the Key Considerations for Your Retirement Journey

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Healthcare Provider Update: Healthcare Provider for Western Midstream Partners Western Midstream Partners typically partners with major insurers for employee healthcare coverage, with providers including national firms such as UnitedHealthcare, Anthem (Elevance Health), and Cigna. These partnerships are crucial for delivering health benefits to employees, enabling access to essential medical services and prescription drugs. Potential Healthcare Cost Increases in 2026 In 2026, employees of Western Midstream Partners may face substantial healthcare cost increases, primarily driven by the anticipated expiration of enhanced federal premium subsidies and significant rate hikes from major insurers. Projections indicate that average ACA marketplace premiums could rise dramatically, with some states experiencing increases of over 60%. As a result, many employees could see their out-of-pocket costs surge by as much as 75%, necessitating a careful evaluation of both employer-sponsored plans and marketplace options to mitigate the financial impact. Click here to learn more

The trajectory of one’s professional life often follows an ascent akin to the climbing of a mountain – from the spirited beginning, through the peaks of career highs, to the gradual approach towards the summit of retirement. For individuals who have spent decades cultivating their careers, the decision to retire is rarely straightforward. It is a pivot point that requires deep introspection, a thorough assessment of one’s financial readiness, and an understanding of the psychological impacts of such a life-changing move.

For Kathie Davis, a 67-year-old who enjoyed a flourishing career in financial services, the decision to retire was influenced by an increasing workload and the poignant reminder of life’s fragility, with the loss of friends and colleagues. As her last day approached, the severance from her professional identity was as tangible as it was emotional.

The trend towards later retirement is well-documented. A Gallup poll from 2023 indicated that the average retirement age had risen to 62, a significant increase from 57 in 1991. This shift can often be attributed to financial necessity; many Western Midstream Partners workers find themselves unable to comfortably cease working at the traditional retirement age. Yet, even with a substantial retirement savings, the decision to step away from one's career involves facing profound existential questions.

Louis H. Primavera, a psychology professor at Touro University with a focus on retirement studies, encapsulates the dilemma succinctly: “Work in this society defines who you are. When you’re retired, you’re a ‘was.’”

The modern reality of extended lifespans has dramatically altered retirement planning for Western Midstream Partners employees. The once short-lived interlude between an arduous career and life’s denouement has expanded into a potential multi-decade phase of life. This extension forces a reevaluation of both financial strategy and the psychological readiness to redefine one's identity post-career.

The answer is not found in clinging to one’s career indefinitely. Primavera advises those considering retirement to proactively seek out new pursuits and social engagements to discover alternative sources of fulfillment. This proactive approach is crucial as research indicates that an abundance of unstructured time can lead to discontentment.

Teresa Amabile, a professor at Harvard Business School, suggests a reflective exercise for those contemplating retirement: list six words that best describe you and consider how retiring might alter that self-concept. Amabile also recommends creating a “life map” to evaluate whether different aspects of your life, such as work, family, and hobbies, are in harmony or at odds with each other.

Tim Streeter, a former recruiting executive, chose early retirement after a layoff at 47. His decision underscored a broader reassessment of the value of corporate loyalty and the desire to maximize the quality of his life, even in the face of financial uncertainty and market fluctuations.

Western Midstream Partners retirement does not have to be an all-or-nothing proposition. Many find a middle ground through part-time work, consulting, or even sharing roles, as exemplified by Marc Freedman, the founder of a San Francisco-based nonprofit. At 65, Freedman adapted his work life to reduce stress while still engaging in meaningful work, exemplifying a growing trend among older adults. According to a survey by AARP, more than 40% of older individuals either continue working or plan to work into their retirement years.

Western Midstream Partners employees approach retirement should consider healthcare costs. A report from Fidelity Investments (published April 2023) suggests that a retired couple may need an estimated $315,000 after taxes to cover healthcare expenses in retirement. For seasoned professionals accustomed to employer-sponsored health plans, this underscores the importance of evaluating Medicare options and supplemental health insurance to mitigate unexpected costs, ensuring a secure and stable transition from a full-time career with Western Midstream Partners to retirement.

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As the conversation around Western Midstream Partners retirement evolves, it is essential for those nearing this transition to engage in thoughtful planning, consider how their identities will transform, and ponder the legacy they wish to leave behind. The process of deciding when to retire is deeply personal, replete with financial considerations and emotional introspection. It is a journey that ultimately leads to crafting a new chapter – one that continues to be rich with purpose and engagement beyond the sphere of professional life.

Deciding when to retire is akin to a seasoned captain navigating a well-traveled vessel toward a much-anticipated horizon. After decades of steering through the corporate seas, adjusting sails to the winds of change, and weathering economic storms, the time comes to chart a course toward the serene waters of retirement. As the captain must consider the readiness of the ship, provisions for the journey, and the activities awaiting on distant shores, so must the seasoned professional evaluate financial readiness, healthcare provisions, and meaningful pursuits post-career. Just as the wise captain knows the value of the experience and the right moment to dock the ship, the mature executive understands the significance of timing and preparation to embark on retirement's promising new voyage.

What is the 401(k) plan offered by Western Midstream Partners?

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

How can I enroll in the 401(k) plan at Western Midstream Partners?

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

What is the company match for the 401(k) plan at Western Midstream Partners?

Western Midstream Partners offers a company match of 50% on employee contributions up to a certain percentage of their salary, helping to boost retirement savings.

When can I start contributing to the 401(k) plan at Western Midstream Partners?

Employees can start contributing to the 401(k) plan after completing their eligibility period, which is typically within the first month of employment.

What types of investments are available in the Western Midstream Partners 401(k) plan?

The 401(k) plan at Western Midstream Partners offers a variety of investment options, including mutual funds, target-date funds, and possibly company stock.

Can I change my contribution percentage to the 401(k) plan at Western Midstream Partners?

Yes, employees can change their contribution percentage at any time through the HR portal or by contacting payroll services.

Is there a vesting schedule for the company match in the 401(k) plan at Western Midstream Partners?

Yes, Western Midstream Partners has a vesting schedule, which means that employees must work for the company for a certain period before they fully own the company match contributions.

What happens to my 401(k) if I leave Western Midstream Partners?

If you leave Western Midstream Partners, you have several options for your 401(k), including rolling it over to a new employer’s plan, transferring it to an IRA, or cashing it out (subject to taxes and penalties).

Can I take a loan against my 401(k) at Western Midstream Partners?

Yes, Western Midstream Partners allows employees to take loans against their 401(k) balance, subject to certain terms and conditions.

Are there hardship withdrawal options available in the 401(k) plan at Western Midstream Partners?

Yes, employees may be eligible for hardship withdrawals from their 401(k) plan at Western Midstream Partners under specific circumstances defined by the plan.

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For more information you can reach the plan administrator for Western Midstream Partners at , ; or by calling them at .

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