<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

Discover Why Cleveland is the Top Affordable Retirement Haven for Electronic Arts Employees

image-table

Healthcare Provider Update: Healthcare Provider for Electronic Arts Electronic Arts (EA) partners with Anthem Blue Cross Blue Shield to provide healthcare benefits to its employees. This partnership enables EA to offer a range of health insurance options that cater to the diverse needs of its workforce. Potential Healthcare Cost Increases in 2026 As we approach 2026, significant increases in healthcare costs are anticipated. With reports suggesting premium hikes could exceed 60% in certain states, especially for Affordable Care Act (ACA) marketplace plans, many consumers could face out-of-pocket premium increases of over 75%. Contributing factors include the potential expiration of enhanced federal subsidies, rising medical expenses, and aggressive rate hikes by major insurers, leading to substantial financial pressures for individuals and families relying on these healthcare plans. This perfect storm of rising costs places tremendous strain on consumers, particularly for those in the middle-income bracket, forcing them to reassess their healthcare coverage options. Click here to learn more

The current state of the economy has become more difficult, with high interest rates and inflation causing major challenges for Americans who are trying to plan for retirement. Ohio has become a desirable retirement destination for Electronic Arts retirees, despite these difficulties because of its affordability and high standard of living. This article explores the reasons why Ohio is a great place for Electronic Arts individuals to retire, especially in relation to places like Cleveland, Youngstown, Akron, and Toledo.


Ohio's cities have drawn notice for their reasonably priced housing. This is especially true for Toledo, Youngstown, and Akron, whose cheap cost of living has been noted in a number of reports. Ohio is a desirable option for anyone looking for a comfortable retirement free from the strain of excessive prices because of these qualities.

Cleveland, the largest city on Lake Erie and the second most populous city in Ohio, provides a special combination of affordable urban life. Cleveland is a shining example for Electronic Arts retirees looking for big-city facilities without the hefty price tag, coming in at number eight on GoBankingRates.com's list of locations where one can live comfortably on less than $2,500 per month. GoBankingRates' survey put the monthly cost of groceries, entertainment, and transportation in Cleveland at about $1,690. For a pleasant retirement in the city, one need budget at least $2,312 in addition to the average monthly mortgage expenditures of $622. Being the biggest city on the list, Cleveland provides retirees with a wide range of experiences and activities.

Cleveland boasts a sizable senior population, with 14.6 percent of its 372,000+ residents being 65 years of age or older. Its proximity to Lake Erie and its position at the mouth of the Cuyahoga River give it a milder climate than the rest of the state, with warmer winters and cooler summers.

With 25,000 acres and 325 miles of trails for bicycling, hiking, golfing, fishing, and swimming, the city's Metroparks system offers retirees plenty of chances to keep active and connected to the natural world. At premier sports stadiums, fans of sports can cheer on Cleveland's major league teams, the Cavaliers, the Browns, and the Guardians.

Another allure is Cleveland's vibrant cultural environment. Cleveland citizens are entitled to free admission to some of the best cultural institutions in the nation, including the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame and Cleveland's Art Museum. In addition, there's a wide variety of shows at Playhouse Square, the nation's second-biggest theater district after New York City.


One of the main reasons Cleveland appeals to Electronic Arts retirees is its affordability, especially when it comes to housing. The biggest factor contributing to Cleveland's cheaper cost of living, according to the Council for Community and Economic Research, is housing. Groceries and utilities are little more than the national average, but housing is still incredibly cheap. According to Zillow, as of December 2023, Cleveland's median home price was $113,300, substantially less than the $382,600 national median.

Regional vice president Janis McCormick of Howard Hanna Real Estate Services/Luxury Portfolio International observes that Cleveland is a reachable market near large cities. Relocating to downtown areas or neighboring cities like Ohio City, Tremont, and Gordan Square is a notable trend among empty nesters. Furthermore, while smaller neighborhoods like Chagrin Falls, Bay Village, and Hudson offer tranquil settings with nearby facilities, inner-ring communities like Cleveland Heights, Shaker Heights, and Lakewood are close to cultural hubs.

Featured Video

Articles you may find interesting:

Loading...


Potential purchasers, particularly those from outside the state, are advised by McCormick to thoroughly tour the city in order to appreciate the diversity found in both its urban and rural locations. For assistance navigating the various housing alternatives, it is also advised to work with an experienced local real estate agent.

Finally, for Electronic Arts retirees looking for an inexpensive, active, and practical retirement destination, Cleveland and Northeast Ohio offer a lot. Ohio is a top retirement destination because to its affordable living standards, affordable metropolitan facilities, and rich cultural diversity.

Apart from its cost-effectiveness and cultural attractions, Cleveland also has excellent healthcare services, which is a crucial factor for Electronic Arts retirees. World-class medical care is offered by the esteemed Cleveland Clinic, which is frequently listed among the best hospitals in the country by U.S. News & World Report (2023), especially in cardiology and heart surgery. This is particularly important for retirees because retirement planning is heavily reliant on having access to first-rate healthcare. The fact that Cleveland offers such excellent medical care adds even more allure to those thinking about retiring in this easily accessible and culturally diverse city.

What a luxury cruise is to vacation, Cleveland is to retirement living: it provides an all-inclusive, first-rate experience without the astronomical cost. Cleveland offers an inexpensive yet luxurious retirement lifestyle, much like a luxury cruise offers a combination of leisure, amusement, and comfort. Its natural and cultural attractions are comparable to the range of onboard activities and locations offered by cruise ships. The city's luxury healthcare facilities, such as the Cleveland Clinic, serves as a safety net, similar to having an elite medical team on board, while the reasonably priced housing market is like having access to a luxury suite at a fraction of the price. Cleveland is a port worth docking in for retirees looking for a retirement that blends the luxury of a wide range of experiences with the affordability of affordability.

What is the 401k plan offered by Electronic Arts?

The 401k plan at Electronic Arts is a retirement savings plan that allows employees to save a portion of their salary on a pre-tax basis, helping them build a nest egg for retirement.

Does Electronic Arts match employee contributions to the 401k plan?

Yes, Electronic Arts offers a matching contribution to the 401k plan, which helps enhance employees' retirement savings.

How can employees enroll in the 401k plan at Electronic Arts?

Employees can enroll in the Electronic Arts 401k plan by accessing the benefits portal and following the enrollment instructions provided.

What is the vesting schedule for Electronic Arts' 401k matching contributions?

The vesting schedule for Electronic Arts' matching contributions typically follows a graded vesting schedule, allowing employees to earn full ownership of the match over a period of time.

Can employees change their contribution percentage to the 401k plan at Electronic Arts?

Yes, employees at Electronic Arts can change their contribution percentage at any time through the benefits portal.

What investment options are available in the Electronic Arts 401k plan?

The Electronic Arts 401k plan offers a variety of investment options, including mutual funds, target-date funds, and company stock, allowing employees to diversify their portfolios.

Is there a loan provision in the Electronic Arts 401k plan?

Yes, Electronic Arts allows employees to take loans against their 401k savings, subject to specific terms and conditions.

What happens to my 401k plan if I leave Electronic Arts?

If you leave Electronic Arts, you can choose to roll over your 401k balance to another retirement account, cash out, or leave it in the Electronic Arts plan if permitted.

Are there any fees associated with the Electronic Arts 401k plan?

Yes, there may be administrative fees associated with the Electronic Arts 401k plan, which are typically disclosed in the plan documents.

How often can employees access their 401k account information at Electronic Arts?

Employees can access their 401k account information at Electronic Arts anytime through the online benefits portal.

With the current political climate we are in it is important to keep up with current news and remain knowledgeable about your benefits.
Electronic Arts (EA) offers a comprehensive 401(k) plan for its employees. The plan allows employees to start contributing from their date of hire. If employees do not take action within 30 days of becoming eligible, they are automatically enrolled with a 6% pre-tax deferral rate. Contributions are invested in a Vanguard Target Date Fund based on the employee's age​ (Schwab). EA matches 50% of the first 6% of eligible pay that employees contribute each pay period, with these contributions immediately vested. EA may also contribute an additional match at the end of the year depending on the company's performance. Employees can withdraw from their account at age 59½, upon experiencing a qualified hardship, or after terminating employment
Restructuring and Layoffs: In early 2024, Electronic Arts announced a significant restructuring plan affecting approximately 6% of its global workforce. The company cited a need to streamline operations and focus on key growth areas as reasons for these cuts. This decision comes in the context of broader industry trends where gaming companies are adjusting to fluctuating market demands and technological changes. It is crucial for employees and stakeholders to stay informed about these changes due to the current economic environment, where job security and investment stability are of heightened concern.
Stock Options & RSUs: EA provides stock options and RSUs as part of its compensation package. Stock options allow employees to purchase EA stock at a set price, while RSUs represent a promise to issue EA stock at a future date. Availability: Offered to executives, senior management, and high-performing employees based on performance and tenure.
Electronic Arts (EA) offers a comprehensive set of health benefits that emphasize affordability and support for chronic care management, particularly as healthcare costs have risen in recent years. In 2022, 2023, and 2024, EA’s benefits have focused on maintaining affordable premiums for employees despite rising costs due to inflation and increased utilization of expensive therapies like gene treatments and GLP-1 drugs for conditions such as diabetes and obesity​ (EA Investor Relations)​ (Healthcare Finance News). Key healthcare-related terms and acronyms frequently associated with EA's benefits include Centers of Excellence (COE) for specialized care, GLP-1 drugs for diabetes management, and behavioral health expansions via supplemental Behavioral Healthcare Provider Networks to enhance mental health access​ (Healthcare Finance News)​ (MedCity News). EA has also focused on chronic condition management through navigation services, which help employees manage complex health conditions more efficiently
New call-to-action

Additional Articles

Check Out Articles for Electronic Arts employees

Loading...

For more information you can reach the plan administrator for Electronic Arts at 209 Redwood Shores Pkwy Redwood City, CA 94065; or by calling them at (650) 628-1500.

https://www.thelayoff.com/#google_vignette https://www.indeed.com/ https://www.forbes.com/ https://www.ea.com/ https://www.pbgc.gov/ https://www.businessinsider.com/ https://www.healthcaredive.com/ https://www.modernhealthcare.com/ https://www.ea.com/

*Please see disclaimer for more information

Relevant Articles

Check Out Articles for Electronic Arts employees