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

Navigating Rising Long-Term Care Costs: Essential Insights for Devon Energy Employees

Healthcare Provider Update: Healthcare Provider for Devon Energy: Devon Energy Corporation partners with Aetna as its healthcare provider. Aetna offers a range of health plans and services to support the wellness needs of Devon Energy employees and their families. Potential Healthcare Cost Increases in 2026: As healthcare costs continue to rise, Devon Energy could see significant increases in employee healthcare expenses in 2026, attributed in part to anticipated premium hikes associated with the Affordable Care Act (ACA). With some states preparing for rate increases of up to 66% and the expiration of enhanced federal premium subsidies, employees may face out-of-pocket premium escalations of over 75%. The confluence of rising medical costs and changes in healthcare policy may necessitate adjustments in how both employers and employees plan for their health coverage, prompting a careful re-evaluation of benefit strategies in the coming year. Click here to learn more

As Devon Energy employees approach retirement, it's crucial to address the need for long-term care. Government projections indicate that nearly 70% of older adults will require some form of long-term assistance. Despite this, a survey from the Kaiser Family Foundation reveals that many have not prepared for this eventuality.

The Cost of Long-Term Care

For employees at Devon Energy, understanding the financial implications of long-term care is vital. A Genworth Cost of Care survey reports that the average annual cost for a private room in a nursing home exceeds $100,000, while home health aides average over $60,000 per year. Since Medicare does not cover these expenses, options such as personal savings, hybrid insurance policies, annuities with long-term care components, traditional insurance, or Medicaid (post asset depletion) become necessary considerations.

Family Impact

The financial and emotional toll of unprepared long-term care can disrupt family stability. This section offers practical tips for Devon Energy employees on managing these potential costs.

Conventional Insurance for Long-Term Care

For Devon Energy's workforce, obtaining long-term care insurance requires good health, timely application, and the financial ability to sustain premiums. However, only a small fraction of those eligible opt for this insurance.

The Price of Long-Term Health Insurance

Purchasing long-term care insurance during one's forties or early fifties can result in significantly lower premiums. With age, not only do premiums rise, but the likelihood of being denied coverage increases as well.

Methods for Cutting Costs

Devon Energy employees might find financial relief in purchasing insurance early, choosing policies with a joint benefit option for couples, or opting for a longer elimination period to reduce premium costs. Annual premium payments also offer cost savings.

Benefits for Devon Energy Employees

Some employers, may offer long-term care insurance as part of their benefits package, which often remains portable after employment ends.

Hybrid Insurance Policies

The market has seen a shift towards hybrid policies that combine life insurance with long-term care benefits. These are accessible but typically more expensive than standalone policies.

Long-Term Care Rider Annuities

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Annuities with a long-term care rider provide a hybrid solution that may suit some retirees better, offering payments irrespective of long-term care needs and usually featuring more lenient health requirements.

Independent Insurance

Affluent retirees might consider self-insuring, requiring substantial liquid assets to cover potential long-term care costs. It's important for Devon Energy employees to plan for the tax implications of using retirement savings for these costs.

Health Savings Accounts (HSAs)

HSAs offer a tax-advantaged way to save for long-term care expenses, suitable for Devon Energy employees with high-deductible health plans. These accounts allow for tax-free growth and withdrawals when used for qualified medical expenses.

Family Guidance

Many retirees will rely on family for care, as shown by the case of Nancy Yung, whose family's efforts epitomize the crucial role relatives play in long-term care.

In Summary

Planning for long-term care is akin to preparing a safety net for retirement, essential for mitigating the impact of rising housing and food costs. Devon Energy employees should consult with financial advisors to explore all available options to secure their future financially. This planning is not just about risk management—it's about assisting in a stable and shielded path into retirement.

What is the primary purpose of the 401(k) Savings Plan at Devon Energy?

The primary purpose of the 401(k) Savings Plan at Devon Energy is to help employees save for retirement by allowing them to contribute a portion of their salary on a pre-tax or after-tax basis.

How can employees at Devon Energy enroll in the 401(k) Savings Plan?

Employees at Devon Energy can enroll in the 401(k) Savings Plan by logging into the employee portal and completing the online enrollment process during the designated enrollment period.

What types of contributions can employees make to the Devon Energy 401(k) Savings Plan?

Employees at Devon Energy can make pre-tax contributions, Roth (after-tax) contributions, and, if eligible, catch-up contributions to the 401(k) Savings Plan.

Does Devon Energy offer any matching contributions to the 401(k) Savings Plan?

Yes, Devon Energy offers a matching contribution to the 401(k) Savings Plan, which is designed to encourage employees to save for retirement.

What is the vesting schedule for employer contributions in the Devon Energy 401(k) Savings Plan?

The vesting schedule for employer contributions in the Devon Energy 401(k) Savings Plan typically follows a graded vesting schedule, meaning employees gradually earn ownership of the company's contributions over time.

Are there any fees associated with the Devon Energy 401(k) Savings Plan?

Yes, there may be administrative fees associated with the Devon Energy 401(k) Savings Plan, which are disclosed in the plan documents provided to employees.

Can employees at Devon Energy take loans against their 401(k) Savings Plan balance?

Yes, employees at Devon Energy may be able to take loans against their 401(k) Savings Plan balance, subject to the plan's terms and conditions.

What investment options are available in the Devon Energy 401(k) Savings Plan?

The Devon Energy 401(k) Savings Plan offers a variety of investment options, including mutual funds, target-date funds, and company stock, allowing employees to diversify their retirement savings.

How often can employees change their contribution amounts to the Devon Energy 401(k) Savings Plan?

Employees at Devon Energy can change their contribution amounts to the 401(k) Savings Plan at any time, subject to the plan's guidelines.

What is the minimum age requirement to participate in the Devon Energy 401(k) Savings Plan?

The minimum age requirement to participate in the Devon Energy 401(k) Savings Plan is typically 21 years old, but employees should refer to the plan documents for specific details.

With the current political climate we are in it is important to keep up with current news and remain knowledgeable about your benefits.

Devon Energy Pension Plan Devon Energy does not specifically offer a traditional defined benefit pension plan but provides retirement benefits through their 401(k) plan, which includes additional company contributions. The company contributes a percentage of the employee's eligible compensation to their 401(k) account each quarter, regardless of whether the employee contributes. This contribution is designed to supplement the employees' savings, ensuring they have a robust retirement fund. Devon Energy 401(k) Plan The Devon Energy 401(k) Incentive Savings Plan allows employees to contribute 1% to 50% of their eligible pay on a pre-tax basis, Roth after-tax basis, or a combination of both, up to the IRS limits. Employees aged 50 or older can make additional catch-up contributions. Devon Energy matches 100% of the employee contributions up to 6%, based on years of service, making it a significant part of the retirement savings strategy for employees.

Devon Energy announced the layoff of approximately 300 employees, representing around 9% of its workforce, as part of a broader effort to reduce general and administrative costs by $150 million to $200 million by 2024. This restructuring follows a challenging period for the energy sector, despite recent increases in oil prices. The layoffs are part of a strategy to streamline operations, focus on core assets, and enhance the company's financial stability. Additionally, Devon Energy has continued its disciplined cash-return business model, focusing on generating free cash flow and returning capital to shareholders. They have also announced preliminary plans for 2024, including the continuation of their fixed-plus-variable dividend strategy, which has been a key component of their financial approach since their merger with WPX Energy.

Stock Options and RSUs: Devon Energy offers a combination of stock options and RSUs to its employees under the Long-Term Incentive Plan (LTIP). This plan has been in place and was amended as of 2024. Employees eligible for these awards typically include executive officers, directors, and other key employees within the company. The awards are designed to vest over a period, usually tied to continued employment and performance metrics. RSUs (Restricted Stock Units) at Devon Energy are granted as part of the LTIP and typically vest over a multi-year period. The RSUs represent a promise to deliver shares of Devon Energy stock to employees upon meeting specific vesting conditions. For example, RSUs granted in 2022, 2023, and 2024 usually vest after three years, encouraging employees to stay with the company long-term. These RSUs do not require employees to purchase the shares; instead, they are given shares once the units vest.

Devon Energy offers a comprehensive set of health benefits to its employees, focusing on ensuring both physical and mental well-being. For the years 2022, 2023, and 2024, the company's health benefits package includes medical, dental, and vision coverage, all starting from the first day of employment for regular full-time, part-time employees, and interns. Healthcare-Related Terms and Acronyms: PPO (Preferred Provider Organization): Employees can choose between PPO and Premier plans, with differences in deductible amounts and coverage percentages for services like preventive care and major services. UBreathe Program: A tobacco cessation program that helps employees avoid a tobacco surcharge on their medical insurance if they meet specific requirements. VSP (Vision Service Plan): Administers the vision coverage, offering annual exams and allowances for lenses and frames. Recent Employee Healthcare News: Devon Energy has placed significant emphasis on wellness through various programs and facilities. For example, "The Well," a wellness center at their Oklahoma City headquarters, provides access to state-of-the-art fitness equipment, group classes, and wellness resources. The company also offers a near-site primary care clinic, "The Doc," which provides advanced medical care, behavioral health services, and physical therapy. Additionally, Devon Energy's commitment to employee wellness is evident in their support for flexible spending accounts and comprehensive dental and vision coverage options, designed to cater to a wide range of employee needs

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For more information you can reach the plan administrator for Devon Energy at 333 W Sheridan Ave Oklahoma City, OK 73102; or by calling them at (405) 235-3611.

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