Laboratory Corp. of America Employees' Guide to Essential Estate Planning

Healthcare Provider Update: Healthcare Provider for Laboratory Corporation of America Laboratory Corporation of America (LabCorp) is a prominent healthcare provider known for offering comprehensive laboratory testing and diagnostic services, supporting healthcare professionals in diagnosing and managing patient care effectively. LabCorp operates numerous patient service centers, ensuring accessibility to a wide range of tests and results for patients across the United States. Potential Healthcare Cost Increases in 2026 As we look ahead to 2026, healthcare costs are projected to see significant increases, largely driven by a combination of factors including the potential expiration of enhanced federal subsidies for ACA marketplace plans and rising medical expenses. Many states are bracing for premium hikes exceeding 60%, with out-of-pocket costs for consumers potentially soaring by over 75%, according to industry reports. This scenario paints a daunting picture for families dependent on health insurance coverage, as insurers tighten oversight and grapple with surging drug prices, hospitalization costs, and increased demand for behavioral health services. Ultimately, consumers will need to navigate these changes carefully to maintain access to affordable healthcare. Click here to learn more

Introduction

This process ensures that your assets are managed and distributed according to your wishes, providing confidence for you and your beneficiaries. This guide will highlight the essential documents necessary for a comprehensive estate plan that caters specifically to your needs at Laboratory Corp. of America.

Durable Power of Attorney

Should an illness or disability impair your ability to manage your financial affairs, a Durable Power of Attorney becomes indispensable. This legal instrument allows you to appoint a trusted individual to handle your financial duties—like overseeing bank accounts, managing tax payments, monitoring investments, and managing day-to-day expenses. There are two primary types of DPOAs:

1. Immediate DPOA: Recommended when an upcoming surgery or medical emergency is anticipated. It becomes effective immediately.

2. Springing DPOA: Activates only upon incapacitation. It’s crucial to verify its validity in your state, as some regions may not recognize it.

Advance Health Care Directives

When you're unable to communicate your healthcare preferences, advance health care directives become vital. These directives guide your family and medical team to make decisions aligned with your wishes, thereby preventing unnecessary life prolongation. The main types include:

1. Living Will:  Specifies the medical treatment you wish to receive or refuse in critical situations.

2. Durable Power of Attorney for Health Care:  Allows you to designate an agent to make medical decisions on your behalf.

3. Do Not Resuscitate Order' (DNR):  Prohibits CPR if you suffer cardiac arrest. The implementation of DNRs varies based on location and whether you are inside or outside a hospital setting.

Will

Often considered the cornerstone of any estate plan, a will primarily serves to detail how your assets should be distributed upon your death. Without a will, the distribution might not reflect your intentions. Key benefits of having a will include:

Ensuring your property is allocated as you desire.

Appointing an executor to oversee your estate’s distribution.

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Designating guardians for minors or dependents with special needs.

• Instructional Letter
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This non-legal document complements your official will by providing additional personal instructions and insights that might not be fully covered in the legal documents. While not legally binding, it offers invaluable guidance to your executor and loved ones about your personal and funeral preferences and the location of crucial documents.

Living Trust

Establishing a living trust, or revocable trust, allows you to manage your assets during your lifetime. Its significant benefits include immediate asset transfer to beneficiaries upon death, management of your assets in case of incapacity, and avoidance of public and often lengthy probate proceedings. However, a living trust does not cover all estate planning needs, such as appointing guardians for children, and can be more complex and costly to set up than other estate planning tools.

Warning Signs and Expert Guidance

While trusts offer structured ways to manage and distribute assets, they come with intricate tax implications and can be expensive to maintain. It’s advisable for Laboratory Corp. of America employees to consult with legal, tax, and estate planning experts to tailor a plan that suits your specific needs.

In summary

For Laboratory Corp. of America employees, understanding the variety of legal documents and their strategic application is crucial for effective estate planning. By meticulously planning your will, establishing appropriate power of attorney arrangements, and possibly setting up a living trust, your estate will be managed as you wish, safeguarding your legacy and supporting your loved ones. If you are considering more personalized financial planning or need guidance on estate planning complexities, professionals like those at Janney Montgomery Scott LLC are equipped to provide comprehensive advice and support.

Considering digital assets in your estate plan is increasingly vital, especially for those over 60 contemplating retirement. Digital assets, often overlooked in traditional estate plans, include social media profiles, digital currencies, and online banking information. Integrating these into your estate plan ensures your digital footprint is managed according to your preferences, a critical aspect given our increasing reliance on digital platforms.

Not legal advice. Discuss your individual situation with a qualified legal professional.