Ask Our Experts
By: Source: AARP Bulletin Today Date Posted: 2003-10-23 13:37:03
The AARP Bulletin's Ask Our Experts column provides answers to important questions affecting older Americans. Read below for this month's column, or review our archive of previously published questions and answers sorted by topic. (Note: Recent news or changes to regulations may affect the guidance offered in this previously published column.)
Submit your own question to the Ask Our Experts column via our easy-to-use online form.
Q. I understand that I can now contribute more each year to my 401(k) plan. Is my employer required to match my higher contribution?
No. Employers are not required to contribute anything to their employees' 401(k) plan. Employers who provide such contributions do so on their own, mainly to encourage participation and bolster employee relations.—Expertise provided by Amy Shannon
Q. The business I retired from paid my health benefits for 14 years. Now they say I have to pay for them. Can they do this?
It depends on the terms of your employee benefit plan. These are outlined in what is called a Summary Plan Description (SPD), which employers are required by law to provide to employees and retirees. If your company's SPD includes specific language reserving the right to change the plan at any time, a court would recognize your employer as legally entitled to reduce or eliminate your benefits. Your experience underlines how important it is for new or prospective retirees to examine their SPDs carefully and to raise any questions they may have with the plan sponsor. If they discover that the employer has the right to make changes at any time, they may be able to make a better arrangement, such as shifting to coverage under a spouse's plan.—Expertise provided by Amy Shannon
Q. A friend's husband died six months ago, and she is still taking it very hard. Are there programs that can help her?
AARP has an extensive grief and loss program that has helped millions of people since it was started in 1973. Your friend might begin by calling the toll-free AARP Grief Support Line at (866) 797-2277, which is open to everyone, not just AARP members. The service is confidential and staffed by trained volunteers who have experienced the loss of a loved one themselves. It is available 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. ET daily. The AARP website www.griefandloss.org details other aspects of the program, including a full range of publications. Our primary booklet for the newly widowed is "On Being Alone." Order it online or by calling (800) 424-3410 or writing AARP Fulfillment EEO1531, 601 E St. N.W., Washington, DC 20049. Ask for D150 for the English version, D13949 for the Spanish version.—Expertise provided by Katherine Wood
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