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

Encompass Health Employees, Prepare for Enhanced HSA Benefits in 2025

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

For Encompass Health employees, maximizing contributions to your HSA in 2025 may be a smart way to control costs around healthcare and also grow your long-term savings for retirement, said.

With the increase in HSA contribution limits coming soon, Encompass Health employees approaching retirement should take advantage of this opportunity to grow their healthcare savings now so they can take a tax-efficient approach to future medical costs, said Sullivan.

In this article, we will discuss:

1. Limits on 2025 IRS health savings account (HSA) contributions.

2. How HSAs give you a triple tax advantage and help you control costs for healthcare.

3. HSAs & retirement planning & Medicare premiums.

The IRS has announced inflation-adjusted increases to the health savings account (HSA) contribution limits for 2025. The contribution cap for those with self-only health coverage will increase from USD 4,150 in 2024 to USD 4,300 in 2025, and for families, the maximum will increase from USD 8,300 to USD 8,550.

HSAs provide a triple tax benefit - contributions are deductible, account assets grow tax-free, and withdrawals for approved medical expenses are tax-free. Such features help HSAs manage healthcare costs.

Your high-deductible health plan must offer an HSA. For the year 2025, the IRS says the plans must carry a USD 1,650 individual deductible and USD 3,300 family deductible.Even with all these benefits, a 2023 survey by the Plan Sponsor Council of America found only 19% of HSA account holders invest—most keep their savings in cash—potentially missing big growth opportunities.

The IRS is also updating the catch-up contribution limit for Encompass Health employees over age 55 this year—keeping the USD 1,000 catch-up contribution for now.Understand HSAs and how they could benefit your financial strategy—especially with the rise of healthcare costs and retirement planning. Prompt financial decisions such as switching to a Roth IRA or drafting a will are life planning steps as well.

And for Encompass Health employees approaching retirement age: HSA money can help pay for Medicare premiums when you turn 65. That includes Medicare Advantage plans, as well as Parts B and D premiums, although Medigap premiums are not eligible for HSA expenditure. While not all medical expenses are covered by Medicare, funding these costs through HSAs could optimize your healthcare spending in retirement. A 2022 study by Fidelity Investments estimated medical costs for a retired couple would be around USD 315,000 after taxes.

Consider your health savings account (HSA) an essential tool in your financial toolkit. Like getting a new phone, increasing HSA contribution limits for 2025 gives you more options to manage and invest in your healthcare. You can think of contributing to your HSA as downloading an app that gives you triple tax benefits—deductions on contributions, tax-free growth, and tax-free withdrawals for qualified medical expenses. This keeps your health coverage as current and efficient as new technology—making your HSA a critical component of your Encompass Health retirement planning strategy.

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Sources:

1. Fidelity Investments. 'HSA Contribution Limits 2024 and 2025.' Fidelity.com , 23 Jan. 2025, https://www.fidelity.com/learning-center/smart-money/hsa-contribution-limits . Accessed 5 Mar. 2025.

2. Plan Sponsor Council of America (PSCA). 'Helping Employees Enroll in HSAs.' PSCA.org , 9 Nov. 2023, https://www.psca.org/news/psca-news/2023/11/PR_2023_HSAreprot . Accessed 5 Mar. 2025.

3. Internal Revenue Service (IRS). 'Part III Administrative, Procedural, and Miscellaneous.' IRS.gov , May 2024, https://www.irs.gov/pub/irs-drop/rp-24-25.pdf . Accessed 5 Mar. 2025.

4. Woodruff Sawyer. 'IRS Releases 2025 HSA Contribution Limits and HDHP Deductible and Out-of-Pocket Limits.' Woodruffsawyer.com , 13 May 2024, https://woodruffsawyer.com/insights/2025-hsa-limits-released . Accessed 5 Mar. 2025.

5. Plan Sponsor Council of America (PSCA). 'HSAs: A Growing Retirement Savings Strategy.' 401k Specialist , Nov. 2023, https://401kspecialistmag.com/higher-numbers-of-hsas-positioned-as-retirement-savings-strategy . Accessed 5 Mar. 2025.

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.

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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.