Start saving for your future with our support
Whether retirement is just around the corner or you're questioning if you're on track, having a solid savings plan is essential. We know retirement planning can be complex, but it becomes easier—and more rewarding—when you see how Nebraska Medicine supports you with contributions. Explore our two retirement plans below to see how we help build your financial future.
Employer contributions
If eligible, Nebraska Medicine will contribute 3% of your annual gross income to your 401(a) each year. Plus, we’ll match your 403(b) contributions based on your years of service and contribution amount.
You can contribute, too
Choose how much to contribute from your paycheck to your 403(b) plan. Adjust your contributions to fit your financial goals.
Maximize your tax savings
Contributing to your 403(b) helps grow your retirement savings and offers tax advantages. Pre-tax contributions lower your taxable income, letting you keep more of your earnings.
401(a) employer contributions
As part of your Total Rewards, you’re automatically enrolled in our 401(a) retirement plan. The plan has two components. If certain criteria are met, Nebraska Medicine will make an annual contribution to your retirement. It’s an easy way to boost your savings without any extra effort. Here’s how it works:
We put 3% of your annual gross eligible income into your 401(a) account each year. You do not need to make employee contributions to receive this.
We will match up to $0.75 on the dollar based on your 403(b) contributions and your years of service as of Dec. 31 each year. The matching schedule is below:
| Contributions and Matching Schedule | ||
|---|---|---|
| Years of service | Contributions eligible for matching | Resulting employer match |
| 0 to < 5 | 3% | 2.25% |
| 5 to < 10 | 5% | 3.75% |
| 10 to < 15 | 7% | 5.25% |
| 15 to < 20 | 9% | 6.75% |
| 20 to < 25 | 11% | 8.25% |
| 25 or more | 13% | 9.75% |
For additional plan documents, please visit MyHR.
To receive the base and matching contributions, you must work 1,000 hours or more during the year and be employed on Dec. 31.
The requirements are waived if you meet the plan’s definition of retirement. Worked hours and compensation are based on amounts paid through the last paycheck of the plan year.
You decide how to invest your account contributions. The plan offers a selection of investments from which you may choose. You decide how you want your money invested, and you may transfer money between investments at any time.
Boost your savings with the 403(b) plan
To enhance your retirement savings, you can also contribute to a 403(b) account. Here’s how it works:
Decide what percentage of your paycheck you want to contribute to your 403(b) account. You may contribute up to 90% of your gross compensation (before taxes) on a pre- or post-tax (Roth) basis.
The maximum amount you can contribute is determined annually by the IRS. Participants aged 50 or older are also eligible for catch-up contributions as defined by the IRS.
You decide how to invest your account contributions. The plan offers a selection of investments from which you may choose. You decide how you want your money invested, and you may transfer money between investments at any time.
Understanding vesting
Vesting determines when you fully own the retirement funds contributed by Nebraska Medicine. Here's how it works:
You are always 100% vested in your 403(b) account contributions. This means those funds are yours to keep, even if you leave the organization.
- A year of service is credited for each plan year where you work at least 1,000 hours. Worked hours are determined based on amounts paid through the last paycheck of the plan year.
- Full vesting: You become fully vested in Nebraska Medicine’s 401(a) base and matching contributions after completing six years of vesting service.
- Partial vesting: You are partially vested after two years of vesting service, with increasing ownership over time. See the schedule below:
| If your vesting service is | You will be vested in this percentage of your 401(a) employer base and matching contributions |
|---|---|
| Less than 2 years | 0% |
| 2 years | 20% |
| 3 years | 40% |
| 4 years | 60% |
| 5 years | 80% |
| 6 years or more | 100% |
For additional plan documents, please visit MyHR.
Getting started
Empower is the administrator of our retirement plans. Their sole focus is helping you achieve the future you imagine.
- Visit empower.com/nebraskamed.
- Click "Register."
- Select "I do not have a PIN."
- Create a username and password. You'll need to enter your Social Security number, ZIP code and date of birth.
For more information on registering and accessing your Empower account, click here.
You can adjust your retirement contributions anytime. Follow these instructions to learn how.
If you still have a retirement plan account from a previous employer, it may be difficult to keep track of how the account is doing. Think about rolling your retirement accounts from previous employers to your Empower plan.
Follow these instructions to learn how. For assistance with the rollover, contact our dedicated retirement counselor at 402.200.9132 or tiffany.sturm@empower.com.
- Administrator: Empower
- Phone: 833.667.3847
- Website: empower.com/nebraskamed
Dedicated Retirement Counselor: Tiffany Sturm
- Phone: 402.200.9132
- Email: tiffany.sturm@empower.com
- Website: nebraskamed.empowermytime.com
Tools and resources
Manage your retirement
Log in to Empower to manage your account, adjust investments and use their online retirement tools to stay on track.
Connect with a retirement expert
Our dedicated retirement counselor is here to help with any questions you may have. Schedule an appointment online or call 402.200.3192.
Watch our retirement plans video
Discover the details of our retirement plans in this informative video. Click here to learn how you can make the most of your benefits.
Frequently asked questions
For more questions, view our full FAQ list.
To enroll in the 403(b) plan (employee plan), either register at www.empower.com/nebraskamed or call 1.833.NM.RETIRE (1.833.667.3847) and follow the prompts to register your account.
Yes, part-time and casual employees are eligible to contribute to the 403(b) and receive 401(a) contributions if criteria are met.
The 403(b) is for employee contributions, while the 401(a) is for employer base and matching contributions.
No, but contributing allows you to receive matching funds from Nebraska Medicine, enhancing your retirement savings.
You can change your contributions at any time by logging into your account at www.empower.com/nebraskamed. Follow these instructions.
You are automatically enrolled in the 401(a) plan, but you should register your account and choose your investment options at www.empower.com/nebraskamed.
In 2024, you can contribute up to $23,000 ($30,500 if you’re 50 or older). You can contribute 0% to 90% of your pay before taxes or as a Roth (after-tax). Be mindful of IRS limits on total contributions across all plans.