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Types of ResourcesImportant Update Regarding the Chattanooga-Hamilton County Hospital Authority Pension Retirement Plan and Trust
Need More Information?
Contact Human Resources
423-778-HR4U (4748)
or email
[email protected]
What’s Happening
The Board of Trustees of Chattanooga-Hamilton County Hospital Authority (the “Authority”) has made the decision to begin winding down its legacy Chattanooga-Hamilton County Hospital Authority Pension Retirement Plan and Trust (the “Plan). The Plan will officially cease operations as of December 31, 2025.
Why It’s Happening
This transition reflects a broader effort by Erlanger to modernize its retirement plan offerings to better align with and meet the needs of today’s workforce. It allows Erlanger to maintain its strong commitment to employee financial well-being while continuing to offer competitive, flexible retirement plans to help team members save for the future.
What This Means for Plan Participants
This is a positive development for everyone involved, as the Plan will be fully funded, and all participants will receive 100% of the benefits they have earned. We are committed to working with each Plan participant to guide you through this transition and help you make the most of your benefit to support your long-term financial goals.
Non-Retired Participants – Plan Termination Election Window
In connection with the Plan termination, the Authority is allowing non-retired participants a limited-time opportunity to elect to receive their Plan benefit early. Empower will mail final election materials to eligible participants on January 9, 2026.
Distribution of benefits, for participants who elect to receive their benefit during this election window, is expected to be made on or near April 1, 2026 (the “Expected Payout Date”). This offer is the only opportunity to elect to receive benefits as an immediate distribution from the Plan in connection with the Plan termination.
Election forms must be postmarked by the return date of February 20, 2026.
If you have any questions regarding your Plan benefit information, please do not hesitate to contact the Empower Customer Care Center:
Telephone: 1-800-338-4015
24-hour toll free Voice Response system
Business hours: Monday – Friday 8AM – 9PM Eastern Time
Information and Resources for Plan Participants
Because each situation is unique, below are a variety of resources to assist you through this transition.
SageView Financial Counseling
Free, one-on-one financial counseling sessions to discuss your specific pension benefit and election options.
In-Person Session (Baroness Hospital): Register Here
Virtual Zoom Session: Book Appointment
Participant Help Center: 1-888-804-7243
Empower
Call 1-800-338-4015
Town Halls
To help you better understand these changes and your options, in-person and virtual town hall sessions were held on Tuesday, April 22.