Healthcare Provider Update: Healthcare Provider for Westlake Westlake Corporation primarily uses Aetna as its healthcare provider. Aetna offers a variety of health plans for employees, focusing on comprehensive coverage and wellness initiatives to support employees' health needs. Potential Healthcare Cost Increases in 2026 As we look towards 2026, significant healthcare cost increases are anticipated, particularly due to various economic factors. With many states projecting record premium hikes-some exceeding 60%-the potential expiration of enhanced ACA premium subsidies poses a crucial challenge. This may result in out-of-pocket premiums skyrocketing for most consumers, with estimates indicating increases of over 75% for 92% of policyholders. Coupled with a rise in medical expenses and demands for higher reimbursements from healthcare providers, employees at Westlake and nationwide may find their healthcare costs markedly elevated in the coming year, necessitating careful planning and strategic health coverage choices. Click here to learn more
Wesley Boudreaux 'For the Westlake employees choosing their retirement options, the successful community models such as Sun City, Texas show how specialized developments can stimulate regional economic development and offer a meaningful post-career lifestyle,' said Wesley Boudreaux of The Retirement Group, a division of Wealth Enhancement Group.
Patrick Ray 'Retirees who want an active, vibrant and economically strong community can look to Georgetown's Sun City, where senior citizens play an important role in boosting the economy,' according to Patrick Ray, a representative of The Retirement Group, a division of Wealth Enhancement Group.
In this article we will discuss:
1. Demographic Trends and Economic Impact: Examining population changes and their effects on the economy through the baby boomers, especially Westlake retirees, and their activities in developments like Sun City, Texas.
2. Community and Lifestyle: Looking at the facilities and the kind of life that forces old people to settle in age-restricted communities and the high rate of development and change in areas like Georgetown.
3. Real Estate and Migration Patterns: Looking at the effects of the senior migration on the real estate market and the overall trend of age-restricted living and the reasons for moving to tax-friendly states like Texas.
The impact of the baby boomers is evident, and this is most evident in Georgetown, Texas, which is currently the fastest-growing city in the United States. This growth is primarily attributable to retirees, just as many Westlake employees prefer to settle in areas such as Sun City, Texas. This 5,421-acre development is for people 55+ and has activities such as pickleball courts, fitness centers, and swimming pools that appeal to the active senior.…
Among Georgetown’s population, 18% of residents are in Sun City, and this civil society echoes a demographic shift that is changing the face of America. The median age of the city is 73, which speaks of its lively senior citizen population, people like Suzanne Herndon who is 70 and embodies the energy of the community in her words, “We’re not dead yet.”
Georgetown’s strong senior population has greatly improved the economy of the area and has created a healthy financial situation with a healthy budget and reserves. This economic development is sustained by aggressive business development which creates many jobs in the food, shopping, and healthcare industries which are important for the health of the community.
Where other developments are aimed at the youth or the remote workers, Sun City has emerged as a haven for the elderly and more specifically an economically powerful generation. This model may be of interest to Westlake retirees as retirees of this caliber are capable of supporting the economic growth of the corporation as professionals do.
Senior citizens across the country including Westlake retirees are a significant consumer group making 45% of the total personal spending in the United States and owning about 70% of the nation’s household wealth. This financial power is especially visible in areas such as Georgetown where senior citizens have been responsible for high growth rates of 14% in the last few years. Some of the features that make the community attractive include theater groups and accessibility, which are very attractive to those who want to lead a comfortable and active retired life.
This economic prosperity is also reflected in the real estate market of Sun City where the median home prices have risen. Nationwide, the age-restricted living trend is on the rise and many retirees are leaving high-tax states and settling in low-tax states like Texas which offer certain advantages such as limiting property taxes for seniors.
This movement is not only financial but also cultural as a number of residents enjoy the homogeneous political and social environment of the community. This is also evident in the high votes that were given to the conservative candidates in the recent elections.
In conclusion, the successful senior community in Sun City reveals the changes taking place in the American society with the baby boomer generation moving to retirement. They select certain communities and pursue active economic activities that change the population and financial foundations of cities such as Georgetown. This can also be observed in the corporate world where companies, including the Westlake, understand the importance of engaging retired experts in consultancies to maintain the company's competitive edge and to support the community and economic development.
Featured Video
Articles you may find interesting:
- Corporate Employees: 8 Factors When Choosing a Mutual Fund
- Use of Escrow Accounts: Divorce
- Medicare Open Enrollment for Corporate Employees: Cost Changes in 2024!
- Stages of Retirement for Corporate Employees
- 7 Things to Consider Before Leaving Your Company
- How Are Workers Impacted by Inflation & Rising Interest Rates?
- Lump-Sum vs Annuity and Rising Interest Rates
- Internal Revenue Code Section 409A (Governing Nonqualified Deferred Compensation Plans)
- Corporate Employees: Do NOT Believe These 6 Retirement Myths!
- 401K, Social Security, Pension – How to Maximize Your Options
- Have You Looked at Your 401(k) Plan Recently?
- 11 Questions You Should Ask Yourself When Planning for Retirement
- Worst Month of Layoffs In Over a Year!
- Corporate Employees: 8 Factors When Choosing a Mutual Fund
- Use of Escrow Accounts: Divorce
- Medicare Open Enrollment for Corporate Employees: Cost Changes in 2024!
- Stages of Retirement for Corporate Employees
- 7 Things to Consider Before Leaving Your Company
- How Are Workers Impacted by Inflation & Rising Interest Rates?
- Lump-Sum vs Annuity and Rising Interest Rates
- Internal Revenue Code Section 409A (Governing Nonqualified Deferred Compensation Plans)
- Corporate Employees: Do NOT Believe These 6 Retirement Myths!
- 401K, Social Security, Pension – How to Maximize Your Options
- Have You Looked at Your 401(k) Plan Recently?
- 11 Questions You Should Ask Yourself When Planning for Retirement
- Worst Month of Layoffs In Over a Year!
Sources:
1. Penley, Taylor. 'Baby boomers bring big bucks to fastest-growing city in America: 'We're not dead yet'.' Fox Business , 9 July 2024, www.foxbusiness.com .
2. Wex, Sabina. 'Baby Boomers Are Bringing Their Hard-Earned Dollars to This Fast-Growing City in the U.S. Here’s Why the Wealthiest Generation Remains a Group of Consumers ‘Who Matter’.' Moneywise , www.moneywise.com . Accessed 6 Feb 2025.
3. Povey, Oliver. 'Baby Boomers are moving to this city in Texas known as the new ‘Sun City’.' AS USA , 9 Sep. 2024, www.en.as.com .
4. Johnson, Daniel. 'Sun City Texas: Georgetown’s Economic Powerhouse Driven by Active Seniors.' La Voce di New York , www.lavocedinewyork.com . Accessed 6 Feb 2025.
5. nhabla.com Staff. 'The Boomer Boom: How Baby Boomers Are Revitalizing Small Towns Across America.' nhabla , www.nhabla.com . Accessed 6 Feb 2025.
What is the Westlake 401k/Savings Plan?
The Westlake 401k/Savings Plan is a retirement savings plan that allows employees to save for their future on a tax-deferred basis.
How can I enroll in the Westlake 401k/Savings Plan?
You can enroll in the Westlake 401k/Savings Plan by completing the enrollment form available through the HR portal or by contacting the HR department for assistance.
What is the employer match for the Westlake 401k/Savings Plan?
Westlake offers a competitive employer match for contributions made to the 401k/Savings Plan, which is typically a percentage of your contributions up to a certain limit.
When can I start contributing to the Westlake 401k/Savings Plan?
Employees can start contributing to the Westlake 401k/Savings Plan after completing their eligibility period, which is usually outlined in the employee handbook.
What types of investments are available in the Westlake 401k/Savings Plan?
The Westlake 401k/Savings Plan offers a variety of investment options, including mutual funds, target-date funds, and other investment vehicles tailored to different risk levels.
How often can I change my contributions to the Westlake 401k/Savings Plan?
Employees can typically change their contribution rates to the Westlake 401k/Savings Plan on a quarterly basis, but it’s best to check the specific guidelines provided by Westlake.
Is there a vesting schedule for the Westlake 401k/Savings Plan?
Yes, the Westlake 401k/Savings Plan includes a vesting schedule for employer contributions, which means you must work for Westlake for a certain period before you fully own those contributions.
Can I take a loan against my Westlake 401k/Savings Plan?
Yes, Westlake allows employees to take loans against their 401k/Savings Plan balance under certain conditions. Please refer to the plan documents for specific terms.
What happens to my Westlake 401k/Savings Plan if I leave the company?
If you leave Westlake, you have several options for your 401k/Savings Plan, including rolling it over to an IRA or another employer's plan, cashing it out, or leaving it with Westlake.
Does Westlake offer financial education regarding the 401k/Savings Plan?
Yes, Westlake provides financial education resources and workshops to help employees understand their 401k/Savings Plan options and make informed decisions.